infeasible

To describe something as infeasible means that it isn't practical or possible to achieve, especially due to inherent limitations in resources, technology, or circumstances. It goes beyond simply being difficult; an infeasible plan is fundamentally flawed and unlikely to succeed no matter how much effort is put into it.

You might hear "infeasible" used when discussing large-scale projects like infrastructure development. For example: "Building a bridge across that turbulent strait would be financially and technically infeasible." It's often employed in contexts where careful planning and realistic assessment are crucial, such as engineering, business, or politics.

However, infeasible isn't always about grand schemes. A simple task can also be deemed infeasible. If you try to fix a broken computer with only a hammer, your approach is likely infeasible. It implies that the tools, skills, or conditions necessary for success are simply not available.

The word carries a sense of reasoned judgment—it's not just about personal preference but an objective assessment of what's realistically achievable. While "impossible" suggests something can never happen, "infeasible" suggests it's unlikely to happen given the current situation.

So, if you hear someone describe an idea as infeasible, understand that they are not dismissing it without thought. They are saying that, based on the facts, resources, and limits involved, it is not a realistic option.