# impractical

/ˌɪmˈpɹæktəkəɫ/ (US) · /ɪmpɹˈæktɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impractical
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not sensible or realistic to do in a real situation. You use this to describe ideas or objects that are difficult to use or carry out.

For teachers: not sensible or realistic; difficult to implement or maintain in practice. Often describes ideas, plans, or physical objects that lack utility in a specific context.

## Examples

- High heels are impractical for a long walk in the park.
- The architect's design was beautiful, but the glass roof proved impractical because it made the building too hot.
- While the theoretical model was flawless, the sheer volume of data required made it impractical for real-time applications in the field.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'prove'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.