Possible vs. Viable

Attribute	Possible	Viable
Definition	Possible refers to something that can be done or achieved.	Viable refers to something that is capable of working successfully.
Feasibility	Possible may not always be feasible due to constraints.	Viable implies feasibility and practicality.
Viability	Possible does not guarantee viability.	Viable implies both possibility and sustainability.
Outcome	Possible may or may not lead to a successful outcome.	Viable is more likely to lead to a successful outcome.

Definition

Possible and viable are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Possible refers to something that can be done or achieved, while viable refers to something that is capable of working successfully. In other words, something that is possible may not necessarily be viable, and vice versa.

Feasibility

When considering whether something is possible, one must take into account the resources, time, and effort required to make it happen. It may be possible to achieve a certain goal, but if the resources needed are not available, it may not be feasible. On the other hand, viability takes into consideration not only the feasibility of a project, but also its sustainability and long-term success. A project may be possible in the short term, but if it is not viable in the long term, it may not be worth pursuing.

Risk

Another key difference between possible and viable is the level of risk involved. When something is possible, it means that it can be done, but there may be a high level of risk associated with it. On the other hand, when something is viable, it means that not only is it possible, but it is also likely to be successful with minimal risk. Viable options are those that have been thoroughly evaluated and deemed to have a high chance of success.

Decision Making

When making decisions, it is important to consider both the possible and viable options. Possible options may be more creative or innovative, but they may also come with a higher level of uncertainty. Viable options, on the other hand, may be more predictable and safe, but they may lack the potential for groundbreaking results. It is important to strike a balance between exploring new possibilities and choosing options that are likely to lead to success.

Implementation

Implementing a possible solution may require a significant amount of trial and error, as there is no guarantee of success. Viable solutions, on the other hand, have been thoroughly tested and are more likely to work as intended. While possible solutions may be more exciting, viable solutions are often more efficient and reliable in the long run. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option before deciding on a course of action.

Examples

• A possible solution to reducing carbon emissions may be to develop new technology that captures and stores carbon dioxide. While this is technically possible, it may not be viable due to the high cost and limited scalability of the technology.
• On the other hand, a viable solution to reducing carbon emissions may be to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This option is not only possible, but also viable in the long term due to its sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while possible and viable are related concepts, they have distinct meanings and implications. Possible refers to what can be done, while viable refers to what is likely to be successful. When making decisions, it is important to consider both the possible and viable options in order to achieve the best outcomes. By understanding the differences between these two terms, individuals and organizations can make more informed choices and increase their chances of success.