# practicality

/ˌpɹæktɪˈkæɫəti/ (US) · /pɹˈæktɪkˈælɪti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/practicality
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the quality of being useful or realistic for a specific purpose. You use this when you want to know if something will actually work in real life.

For teachers: the quality of being suitable for a particular purpose or situation; the state of being realistic and useful. Often used to describe the effectiveness of a plan or the usefulness of an object.

## Examples

- The practicality of the new tool makes it very popular.
- While the design is beautiful, the practicality of the chair is questionable because it is too hard to sit on for long periods.
- Engineers must balance the aesthetic appeal of the bridge with the practicality of its construction, ensuring that the structure can withstand extreme weather conditions without requiring constant maintenance.

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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.