practicable

adjective

prac·​ti·​ca·​ble ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl How to pronounce practicable (audio)
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 noun
practicableness noun
practicably adverb
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

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 To become a globally practicable system, the flexibility of the startup’s model doesn’t fix all nations into the same scoring method; different countries can emphasize attributes relevant to their region. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 This includes checking the citizenship status of federal-only voters against an immigration status verification service provided by the Department of Homeland Security when practicable. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 11 Sep. 2024 Anyone running a vulnerable version should update as soon as practicable. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 2 July 2024 To avoid wasting funds on programs that often serve as life support for local defense industries, EU countries should pool their resources whenever practicable. Stuart E. Eizenstat, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2010 See all Example Sentences for practicable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'practicable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practicable was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near practicable

Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practicable. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

practicable

adjective
prac·​ti·​ca·​ble ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl How to pronounce practicable (audio)
1
: capable of being done, put into practice, or accomplished : feasible
a practicable plan
2
: usable
a practicable weapon
practicability noun

More from Merriam-Webster on practicable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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