Feasible vs. Viable: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Feasible" refers to something that is possible or easy to do, while "viable" means capable of working successfully or sustainably.
Key Differences
"Feasible" implies practicality and the possibility of being accomplished, often within the context of available resources, knowledge, and technology. "Viable," on the other hand, focuses more on the capability of success or ongoing sustainability in the long term.
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Nov 28, 2023
A feasible idea or plan is one that can be implemented without excessive difficulty or complexity. In contrast, a viable idea or plan not only can be implemented but is also likely to be successful or profitable in the future.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Feasibility often addresses the question, "Can this be done?" considering resources and constraints. Viability, however, asks, "Will this work over time?" considering factors like market demand, profitability, and long-term effects.
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Nov 28, 2023
The assessment of feasibility is typically focused on the initial stages of a project or idea, evaluating whether it is practical to start. Viability assessment looks further into the future, evaluating whether the project or idea can maintain success or effectiveness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
A project can be feasible without being viable; it might be possible to start but not sustainable. Conversely, a viable project is usually also feasible, as its long-term success implies that it is practical and possible to initiate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Key Factors
Resources, knowledge, technology
Market demand, profitability, longevity
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Nov 28, 2023
Outcome Implication
Possible to start
Sustainable and successful in the long run
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Nov 28, 2023
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Feasible and Viable Definitions
Feasible
Possible to do easily or conveniently.
It's feasible to complete the project within two weeks.
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Viable
Capable of working successfully; feasible with a long-term perspective.
The business model is viable in the current market.
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Feasible
Achievable with the available resources and conditions.
Expanding the team this year is feasible.
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Viable
Having a reasonable chance of success.
The plan is viable, given the positive market research.
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Feasible
Capable of being done or carried out.
The proposed timeline for the software update is feasible.
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Viable
Practical and sustainable in the long run.
Solar power is a viable alternative energy source.
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Feasible
Capable of being accomplished or brought about; possible
A feasible plan.
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Oct 19, 2023
Viable
Able to sustain life, viability, or effectiveness over a long period.
The eco-friendly packaging option is viable for our products.
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Nov 28, 2023
Feasible
Capable of being used or dealt with successfully
Feasible new sources of energy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Viable
Capable of success or continuing effectiveness; practicable
A viable plan.
A viable national economy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Viable
Capable of living, developing, or germinating under favorable conditions
Viable spores.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Feasible
Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
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Oct 19, 2023
Feasible
Practical and realistic in terms of implementation.
The solution is feasible given our limited budget.
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Nov 28, 2023
Feasible
Within the realm of possibility.
A manned mission to Mars is becoming increasingly feasible.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Viable
Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
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Viable
Capable of life or normal growth and development;
Viable seeds
A viable fetus
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Viable
Having potential for profit or growth.
The investment opportunity seems viable.
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Nov 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "viable" used in biological contexts?
Yes, particularly referring to the ability to sustain life or growth.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can something be viable but not feasible?
Rarely, as viability usually implies feasibility.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can feasibility change over time?
Yes, as resources and technologies evolve, so does feasibility.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does "feasible" imply success?
Not necessarily; it implies possibility, not guaranteed success.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does "viable" always mean profitable?
Not always, but it often implies potential for profit or growth.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does "viable" consider environmental sustainability?
It can, especially in contexts where long-term sustainability is crucial.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can viability assessments change over time?
Yes, as market and environmental factors evolve, so does the assessment of viability.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is "feasible" focused more on short-term or long-term?
It's more focused on the short-term possibility of implementation.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is feasibility a static assessment?
No, it can change with circumstances and new information.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are feasibility studies important in business?
Absolutely, they help determine the practicality of a project or idea.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can a project become more viable over time?
Yes, as conditions change, a project's viability can improve.
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Does "feasible" take into account financial constraints?
Yes, financial resources are a key factor in determining feasibility.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is a viable solution always the most innovative?
Not necessarily, as viability often involves balancing innovation with practicality and sustainability.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can a plan be both feasible and viable?
Yes, many successful plans are both feasible and viable.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is a feasible solution always the best choice?
Not always; other factors like viability and desirability should also be considered.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can a product be viable but not market-ready?
Yes, if it's sustainable and promising but needs further development.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does "feasible" relate to innovation?
Yes, feasibility is often a key consideration in developing innovative solutions.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can viability be subjective?
Yes, assessments of viability can vary based on different perspectives and criteria.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is a viable business always profitable immediately?
No, profitability might come over a longer term.
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Nov 28, 2023
Is it easier to determine feasibility or viability?
Feasibility is often easier to determine as it's more immediate and practical.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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