pragmatic

adjective

prag·​mat·​ic prag-ˈma-tik 

variants or less commonly pragmatical

prag-ˈma-ti-kəl 

1

: dealing with the problems that exist in a specific situation in a reasonable and logical way instead of depending on ideas and theories : practical as opposed to idealistic

a pragmatic leader

a pragmatic [=practical] approach to health care

At its core the Marshall Plan was a pragmatic approach to a tough problem.

—Timothy Naftali

Their role is to translate the vision and mission of the company, identify pitfalls and find pragmatic solutions, as well as be committed to building a culture that works.

—Pete Hanlon

2

: relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism (see pragmatism sense 2)

[Philosopher William] James's embrace of uncertainty goes to the heart of the pragmatic philosophy, which denies the existence of fixed, absolute truth and seeks to undermine the notion that first principles are reliable guides to human behavior.

—Theo Anderson

3

archaic

a(1)

: busy

(2)

: officious

b

: opinionated

pragmatic noun

pragmatically

prag-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

approached the problem pragmatically

Did you know?

Are you pragmatic?

The word pragmatic has been busy over its more than four centuries of use. Its earliest meanings were "busy," "meddlesome," and "opinionated," but those are now considered archaic uses. The word continues, as it has since the late 19th century, to be used in reference to the philosophical movement of pragmatism (see sense 2). And, as Merriam-Webster Unabridged reports, it also continues to be used in the field of history to describe that which deals with historical events in a way that shows their interconnection. Most often, however, we encounter pragmatic when it is being used to describe people—sometimes ourselves.

So what does it mean for a person to be pragmatic? A person who is pragmatic is concerned more with matters of fact than with what could or should be. A pragmatic person's realm is results and consequences. If that's where your focus is, you may want to apply the word to yourself.

Synonyms of pragmatic

• practical
• realistic

Examples of pragmatic in a Sentence

In their universe, romance is totally detached from pragmatic concerns and societal pressures … —Lev Grossman, Time, 24 Jan. 2005

… their pragmatic successors like Benjamin Franklin were concerned with lightning's … power but not its thrilling scenic value. —John Updike, New York Review of Books, 15 Aug. 2002

… pragmatic enough to have held on to their day jobs for years after they were putting out records. —Chris Mundy, Rolling Stone, 16 Sept. 1993

… and her mysticism never failed to exasperate her pragmatic, mountain-climbing daughter. —Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses, 1989

His pragmatic view of public education comes from years of working in city schools.

a pragmatic man, not given to grand, visionary schemes

Recent Examples on the Web

Ancelotti and Zidane certainly had their own tactical ideas, but were also pragmatic and based game plans primarily on the characteristics (strengths and weaknesses) of the squad made available to them. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025

The world too needs to be grateful that the two superpowers are talking like adults again, and with a one year trade truce in motion, are starting to take a more pragmatic path. —Kerry Brown, Time, 31 Oct. 2025

Wear it in pragmatic neutral tones such as khaki or army grey, or make a statement in pink or this fall’s signature shade, burgundy. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025

Much of her derision is reserved for Joe (Adam Godley), her downtrodden husband and more pragmatic partner-in-crime. —Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin pragmaticus skilled in law or business, from Greek pragmatikos, from pragmat-, pragma deed, from prassein to do — more at practical

First Known Use

circa 1612, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Phrases Containing pragmatic

• pragmatic sanction

Rhymes for pragmatic

• asthmatic
• chromatic
• climatic
• dogmatic
• dramatic
• ecstatic
• emphatic
• erratic
• eustatic
• fanatic
• hepatic
• lymphatic

Kids Definition

pragmatic

adjective

prag·​mat·​ic prag-ˈmat-ik 

variants also pragmatical

-i-kəl 

: concerned with practical rather than intellectual or artistic matters

pragmatically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb