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Planning & Processnoun · /ˌfez.ə.ˈbɪl.ə.ti ˈstʌd.i/

feasibility study

feasibility study — A detailed analysis to determine whether a project, feature, or solution is practical, technically possible, and economically viable before committing significant resources to it.

In simple English

A feasibility study is a formal examination conducted early in the planning phase to evaluate if a proposed idea or project can realistically be completed. In tech companies, teams conduct feasibility studies to assess technical complexity, resource requirements, timeline estimates, budget needs, and potential risks before making investment decisions. This practice helps managers and stakeholders decide whether to proceed, modify, or reject a proposal. Feasibility studies are common before launching new products, adopting new technologies, migrating systems, or pursuing architectural changes. They serve as a risk mitigation tool that prevents wasting time and money on projects that are ultimately impractical or unachievable.

How to say it: Say fee-zuh-BIL-ih-tee.

Definition and workplace usage of feasibility study in software development and project planning.

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness4/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalFormal
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticNeutral
RegionUS and UK

Say it like this

  • Conduct a feasibility study
  • The feasibility study shows that the project is viable
  • Based on the feasibility study findings, we decided to proceed

Use it at work

Starting

  • Let's do a feasibility study before we commit to the migration.
  • The feasibility study will take two weeks.

Reporting

  • The feasibility study shows it's possible but expensive.
  • Based on the feasibility study, we recommend option B.

Questioning

  • Did the feasibility study include security?
  • What were the risks in the feasibility study?

Don't say this

✕We will feasibility study this new framework.
✓We will conduct a feasibility study on this new framework.

Feasibility study is a noun, not a verb. Use 'conduct,' 'perform,' or 'complete' with it.

Don't mix it up

How feasibility study differs from similar terms
TermWhat it isWho writes or uses itWhen
feasibility studyResearch on whether it's possibleEngineers, analystsBefore a project
proof of conceptSmall build to show it worksEngineersAfter research, before full build
business caseWhy it's worth the moneyProduct, financeTo get approval

Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your manager asks you to examine if migrating to Kubernetes is practical. What do you say?

Complete the sentence

2. Before we invest in the AI feature, we need to _______ to evaluate technical and budget constraints.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses 'feasibility study' incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this sentence using 'feasibility study': 'Before we start building this system, we need to check if it is possible and affordable.'

Say it out loud

Phrase 1 of 3

"Conduct a feasibility study"

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More about feasibility study

Real examples(3)

  • in a planning meeting

    "We should run a feasibility study on switching to microservices before we commit to the architecture change."

  • in an email to stakeholders

    "The feasibility study indicates that implementing real-time analytics would require significant infrastructure investment."

  • in a project kickoff

    "According to the feasibility study completed last month, the mobile app redesign is technically achievable within six months."

More mistakes(2)

Handle with care. Do not use as a verb (avoid saying 'we will feasibility study it'). It is a noun describing an action or process, not the action itself.

  • ✕This is a quick feasibility study; we only need one day.
    ✓This is a preliminary feasibility assessment; we only need one day.

    A true feasibility study is comprehensive and takes time. Use 'assessment' or 'review' for quick analyses.

  • ✕The feasibility study was successful.
    ✓The feasibility study showed that the project is feasible.

    A feasibility study itself is not successful or unsuccessful; its findings can be positive or negative.

Other forms(2)

  • feasibility study noun

    "We commissioned a feasibility study before launching the new platform."

  • feasibility studies noun

    "Multiple feasibility studies were conducted to compare different cloud providers."

Often used with(5)

  • conduct a feasibility study · Most common verb phrase; means to perform or carry out the study
  • feasibility study findings · The results and conclusions from the study
  • feasibility study report · The formal document summarizing the study results
  • preliminary feasibility study · A quick initial assessment before a full study
  • technical feasibility study · Focused on technical aspects and implementation possibilities

Similar words(3)

  • feasibility analysis · Similar meaning; slightly more informal, emphasizes the analytical process
  • viability assessment · Broader term that can apply beyond tech; emphasizes potential success
  • scoping study · Focuses specifically on defining project scope and boundaries

Opposites(2)

  • implementation
  • execution

Questions(5)

What does feasibility study mean in tech?
A feasibility study is a formal analysis to determine if a proposed project, feature, or technology solution is practical, technically possible, and economically viable. It examines technical requirements, resource availability, timeline, budget, and potential risks before committing to implementation.
When should you conduct a feasibility study?
Conduct a feasibility study early in the planning phase, after you have an idea but before you commit significant resources. Typical situations include evaluating new technology adoption, planning system migrations, assessing major architectural changes, or evaluating new product features.
What does a feasibility study typically include?
A comprehensive feasibility study usually includes technical analysis, resource and budget requirements, timeline estimates, risk identification, alternative approaches comparison, and recommendations for proceeding, modifying, or rejecting the proposal.
Is feasibility study formal or informal language?
Feasibility study is formal, professional language used in business and technical contexts. It is appropriate for meetings, reports, and formal communication, but less common in casual conversation.
What is the difference between feasibility study and proof of concept?
A feasibility study is an analysis and planning document that examines if something is possible; a proof of concept is a practical demonstration that it actually works. A feasibility study often recommends whether a proof of concept is needed.
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