The words “impracticable” and “impractical” may sound similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between these terms is important for accurately describing the feasibility and practicality of actions or plans. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their meanings.
Impracticable
Definition:
“Impracticable” means not capable of being done or carried out. It refers to something that is impossible to accomplish or execute, often due to physical, logistical, or technical limitations.
Examples of use:
“The extensive damage made repairing the car impracticable, so it had to be replaced.”
“Building a bridge across such a wide river without any support structures is simply impracticable.”
“Given the current weather conditions, it is impracticable to continue the outdoor event.”
Impractical
Definition:
“Impractical” means having little practical value or not being sensible or realistic in a particular situation. It refers to something that is theoretically possible but not useful or effective in practice.
Examples of use:
“A plan for a new stadium would be seen as impractical given the city’s current financial situation.”
“Wearing high heels on a hiking trip is completely impractical.”
“The idea of using a small boat to cross the ocean may seem adventurous, but it is highly impractical.”
While “impracticable” and “impractical” may sound alike, they describe different concepts. “Impracticable” refers to something that cannot be done or is impossible to achieve, while “impractical” refers to something that may be possible but lacks practicality or usefulness in a given context. Understanding these distinctions is key to accurately conveying the feasibility and utility of plans or actions.
