impractical

adjective

im·​prac·​ti·​cal (ˌ)im-ˈprak-ti-kəl How to pronounce impractical (audio)
: 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
impracticality noun
impractically adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Study co-author and archaeological scientist Katerina Douka explains that this technique can be used to sort through large numbers of fragments in a way that is impractical for other methods such as DNA sequencing. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 5 June 2025 One such model is the external control arm (ECA), which leverages real-world data (RWD) to supplement or replace control groups, especially when enrolling patients in placebo arms is impractical or ethically complex. Sujay Jadhav, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 When a canvas tote feels too casual for the office and dinner after, but a mini top-handle too impractical, there’s one handbag brand Vogue editors turn to: Liffner. Vogue, 2 June 2025 Republican warnings To Republican leaders, California’s goals were not only impractical but potentially harmful. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impractical

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impractical was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impractical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impractical. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

impractical

adjective
im·​prac·​ti·​cal (ˈ)im-ˈprak-ti-kəl How to pronounce impractical (audio)
: 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 noun
impractically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on impractical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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