Cool MateFeasible vs Viable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Feasible
Top 2,000 (common)B1
Viable
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
| Feasible | Viable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈfiːzəbl//🇺🇸 //ˈfizəbl// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈvaɪəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈvaɪəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Possible to do or make happen. | Able to work or succeed. |
| Example | The plan is not feasible given our current budget. | a **viable option/proposition** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | feasible solution, feasible option, feasible plan, feasible proposal, feasible method | be, prove, seem, extremely, truly, perfectly |
| Antonyms | infeasible, impractical, unworkable | unviable, impractical, infeasible |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'possible' — they are similar but not the same., Using 'feasible' to describe something impossible or unrealistic., Saying 'infeasible' instead of 'not feasible' incorrectly. | Confused with 'viable' vs 'viability' - remember 'viable' is the adjective., Using 'viable' incorrectly with non-project contexts, like personal opinions., Mixing up 'viable' with 'valid' - 'viable' relates to practicality, 'valid' to correctness. |
| Usage notes | Use 'feasible' in business or academic contexts. Avoid in casual conversation or everyday situations. | Use 'viable' when discussing options or plans that are practical and achievable. Avoid in very casual contexts; it sounds more professional. |
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Frequently asked questions: Feasible vs Viable
What's the difference between Feasible and Viable?
Feasible: Possible to do or make happen. Viable: Able to work or succeed.
Which is more advanced: Feasible and Viable?
Viable is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Feasible and Viable the same CEFR level?
Feasible: B1, Viable: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Feasible: The plan is not feasible given our current budget. Viable: a **viable option/proposition**
Can I use Feasible and Viable interchangeably?
Not always. Feasible and Viable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.