impractical

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪmˈpræktɪkəl/

Definitions

• Not sensible or realistic; not capable of being put into practice.
• Not suited for use in a particular situation due to limitations in feasibility or practicality.
• Unlikely to succeed because it is not realistic or achievable.

Usage Examples

• Her plan to build a spaceship out of wood was considered impractical by the engineers.
• The idea of walking to another city was deemed impractical due to the distance.

Etymology

Derived from the word *practical* with the prefix *im-* meaning "not" or "opposite of." The word *practical* comes from Latin *practicus*, meaning "fit for action."

Synonyms

• Unrealistic
• Unfeasible
• Unworkable
• Improbable

Antonyms

• Practical
• Feasible
• Realistic
• Achievable

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

US: /ɪmˈpræktɪkəl/ — UK: /ɪmˈpræktɪkəl/

Historical Usage

The word *impractical* has been used since the 18th century to describe plans, ideas, or objects that are deemed not realistic or achievable. It is often employed to suggest that an idea may look good on paper but is not feasible in real-life applications.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the term *impractical* may also carry connotations of being overly idealistic or disconnected from the practical realities of daily life. It can be used pejoratively to criticize proposals or solutions that lack viability.

More Information

The term *impractical* is typically used to describe something that may appear good in theory but lacks the necessary features, resources, or practicality to be successfully implemented. It often reflects an inability to adapt to real-world constraints.