Viable vs. Feasible — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
"Viable" means capable of working or surviving, while "feasible" refers to something that is possible or practical to do.
Difference Between Viable and Feasible
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "viable" and "feasible" are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct nuances. Viable generally relates to the capability of something to work effectively or survive in particular conditions. For instance, a business model might be described as viable if it's expected to sustain and generate profit in the long run. In this context, viable addresses the longevity and sustainability of an idea or entity.
Feasible, on the other hand, leans more towards the realm of possibility and practicality. If a project is deemed feasible, it suggests that it can be done given the current circumstances, resources, or constraints. Feasibility often assesses the practicality of an undertaking, considering factors like time, cost, and available resources. It doesn't necessarily address long-term sustainability like viability does.
To illustrate, consider a new technological innovation. Its feasibility would examine whether it can be created and implemented with the current technology and resources. Its viability, meanwhile, would assess whether it can sustainably function and remain relevant in the market. In many scenarios, something might be feasible (doable now) but not viable (sustainable in the long run), and vice versa.
In everyday conversation, the distinction between viable and feasible can be subtle. However, in professional or technical contexts, understanding the differences can be crucial. While both terms orbit the idea of possibility, "viable" delves into the realm of effectiveness and survival, whereas "feasible" centers on practicality and immediate possibility.
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Capable of working or surviving
Possible or practical to do
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Usage Context
Long-term effectiveness or survival
Short-term possibility or practicality
Key Consideration
Sustainability
Practicality
Example Scenario
A business's long-term profitability
A project's completion with current resources
Outcome Implication
Indicates effective operation or survival in given conditions
Indicates something can be achieved given current scenario
Compare with Definitions
Viable
Capable of surviving or living.
The seeds are viable and will sprout when planted.
Feasible
Possible to achieve or do.
Completing the project in a week is feasible.
Viable
Capable of working or functioning effectively.
The solution is viable and addresses the core problem.
Feasible
Likely to be easily or conveniently done.
Given our budget, the advertising campaign is feasible.
Viable
Sustainable in the long run.
Renewable energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Feasible
Practical or capable of being accomplished.
The engineering team deemed the design feasible.
Viable
Having the ability to grow or develop.
The startup presented a viable business model.
Feasible
Achievable within existing constraints.
The construction is feasible despite the tight schedule.
Viable
Capable of success or continuing effectiveness; practicable
A viable plan.
A viable national economy.
Feasible
Reasonable or probable.
The proposed timeline is feasible if everyone cooperates.
Viable
Capable of living, developing, or germinating under favorable conditions
Viable spores.
Feasible
Possible and practical to do easily or conveniently
The Dutch have demonstrated that it is perfectly feasible to live below sea level
Viable
Capable of living outside the uterus. Used of a fetus or newborn.
Feasible
Likely; probable
The most feasible explanation
Viable
Able to live on its own (as for a newborn).
Feasible
Capable of being accomplished or brought about; possible
A feasible plan.
Viable
Able to be done, possible, practicable, feasible.
A viable option
Feasible
Capable of being used or dealt with successfully
Feasible new sources of energy.
Viable
Capable of working successfully
Feasible
Logical; likely
A feasible explanation.
Viable
(biology) Able to live and develop.
Feasible
Able to be done in practice.
His plan to rid Trafalgar Square of pigeons by bringing in peregrine falcons to eat them was dismissed as not feasible.
Viable
(biology) An organism that is able to live and develop.
Feasible
Capable of being done, executed, or effected; practicable.
Always existing before their eyes as a thing feasible in practice.
It was not feasible to gratify so many ambitions.
Viable
Capable of living; born alive and with such form and development of organs as to be capable of living; - said of a newborn, or a prematurely born, infant.
VIABLE, Vitae habilis, capable of living. This is said of a child who is born alive in such an advanced state of formation as to be capable of living. Unless be is born viable he acquires no rights and cannot transmit them to his heirs, and is considered as if he had never been born.
Feasible
Fit to be used or tilled, as land.
Viable
Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
Feasible
Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
Viable
Capable of life or normal growth and development;
Viable seeds
A viable fetus
Feasible
In a practicable manner; so as to be feasible
Viable
Practical and capable of continued existence.
The ecosystem is viable thanks to conservation efforts.
Common Curiosities
How is "feasible" typically used?
"Feasible" is used to describe something possible or practical to achieve.
What does "feasibility study" mean?
A feasibility study assesses the practicality of a proposed project or system.
Is "viable" related to long-term sustainability?
Yes, "viable" often addresses the long-term effectiveness or survival of something.
Is a viable solution always feasible?
Not necessarily. A solution may be sustainable (viable) but may require resources not currently available (not feasible).
Can a project be feasible but not viable?
Yes, a project might be doable (feasible) but not sustainable in the long run (viable).
Which term is more about practicality?
"Feasible" primarily addresses the practicality of an undertaking.
Are the terms "viable" and "feasible" interchangeable?
While often used interchangeably, they have nuanced differences, especially in professional contexts.
What does "viable" primarily convey?
"Viable" conveys the capability of something to work effectively or survive.
Can an idea be both viable and feasible?
Yes, an idea can be both sustainable in the long run (viable) and practical to implement (feasible).
Can "viable" refer to living organisms?
Yes, "viable" can describe organisms capable of living or growing.
How does "viable" relate to business?
In business, "viable" often refers to models or strategies sustainable and profitable in the long run.
Which term focuses more on immediate possibility?
"Feasible" is more about immediate possibility and practicality.
What might influence whether something is feasible?
Factors like time, cost, and available resources can determine feasibility.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
