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

Second, continuously updating product pages for each new ad campaign can be impractical, particularly for brands with extensive product lines. —Charles Nicholls, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

While eliminating returns entirely is impractical, implementing measures to improve the shopping experience can significantly decrease return rates. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 30 July 2024

So has this fresh build changed our minds about the ridiculous and impractical nature of the monowheel. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 11 July 2024

Even the way Jennifer Lopez carried her bag is somewhat impractical for a shopping trip, shirking a shoulder strap in favor of holding the top handles. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Aug. 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