impractical

adjective

im·​prac·​ti·​cal (ˌ)im-ˈprak-ti-kəl 

: not practical: such as

a

: not wise to put into or keep in practice or effect

b

: incapable of dealing sensibly or prudently with practical matters

c

: impracticable

d

: idealistic

impracticality

(ˌ)im-ˌprak-ti-ˈka-lə-tē 

noun

impractically

(ˌ)im-ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• impracticable
• inoperable
• nonpractical
• unserviceable
• unusable
• unworkable
• useless

Examples of impractical in a Sentence

Little sports cars are impractical for large families.

He was a dreamy and impractical young man.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pavia was granted a preliminary injunction, which is issued by a court in circumstances when a full trial on the merits is impractical. —Joe Sabin, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Much of that policy is governed by recent state-level reforms, making a blanket repeal impractical. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Industry-Wide Energy Problem and a Unique Solution Relying on large battery storage continues to be a challenge facing sustainable energy sources, which limits scalability and is impractical in smaller areas. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Some of these sweeping goals are admirable, some impractical. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

impractical

adjective

im·​prac·​ti·​cal (ˈ)im-ˈprak-ti-kəl 

: not practical: as

a

: not wise to put into or keep in practice or effect

an impractical rule disliked by many

b

: incapable of dealing sensibly with practical matters

c

: impracticable

the new gadgets were complicated and impractical

impracticality

(ˌ)im-ˌprak-ti-ˈkal-ət-ē 

noun

impractically

(ˈ)im-ˈprak-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb