practicable

1 of 2

adjective

prac·​ti·​ca·​ble ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl 

1

: capable of being put into practice or of being done or accomplished : feasible

a practicable plan

2

: capable of being used : usable

a practicable weapon

practicability

ˌprak-ti-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

practicableness

ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl-nəs 

noun

practicably

ˈprak-ti-kə-blē 

adverb

practicableness

2 of 2

noun

prac·​ti·​ca·​ble·​ness

plural -es

: practicability sense 1

Synonyms of practicable

Adjective

• possible
• achievable
• feasible
• attainable

Choose the Right Synonym for practicable

possible, practicable, feasible mean capable of being realized.

possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

Examples of practicable in a Sentence

Adjective

The idea is interesting but not practicable, I'm afraid.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available to us

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Any existing solid brick, breeze-block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons. — Stuart James, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

These days still call for cold drinks and as little clothing as is practicable. — Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigated Ridglan between 2024 and 2025 and identified 494 violations, with several pertaining to dogs being handled in a practicable and humane manner. — Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

The law doesn’t mention NDS, of course, instead directing agencies to coordinate with the director of the Office of Management and Budget to assess digital needs and costs and standardize government websites only to the extent practicable. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for practicable

• impracticable

Kids Definition

practicable

adjective

prac·​ti·​ca·​ble ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl 

1

: capable of being done, put into practice, or accomplished : feasible

a practicable plan

2

: usable

a practicable weapon

practicability

ˌprak-ti-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun