impracticability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impracticability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where something cannot be effectively done or is not feasible. Example: "The impracticability of the proposed plan led the committee to seek alternative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The initial success of this strategy in preventing a German rout during the Soviet winter counteroffensive of 1941 42 had blinded Hitler to its impracticability in the very different military circumstances on the Eastern Front by 1943, by which time the Germans simply lacked sufficient numbers of troops to defend an extremely long front against much more numerous Soviet forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Seeking to find a solution acceptable to both parties, the British announced the impracticability of partition and called for a roundtable conference in London.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many objections its impracticability, its neglect of the special claims of one's parents were raised against this new doctrine, but Mozi demonstrated that the principle of undifferentiated love had in it both utilitarian justification and divine sanction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ross to White: "Not only, to my astonishment, does Fowler use no point after Mrs but he has a little piece on the use of the period after abbreviations (or constructions) that amazes me for its impracticability.

The New Yorker

Were American Apparel to fail, or to move production overseas alongside its competitors, it could be taken as further evidence of the impracticability of manufacturing apparel in countries with strong labor laws.

The New Yorker

Late last year, Summers kicked up quite a fuss with his suggestion that the U.S. and other major economies, pinned down by the zero-bound of interest rates — that is, the impracticability of lowering them below zero — might well be in for an extended period of subpar growth.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet Late last year, Summers kicked up quite a fuss with his suggestion that the U.S. and other major economies, pinned down by the zero-bound of interest rates — that is, the impracticability of lowering them below zero — might well be in for an extended period of subpar growth.

The New Yorker

We repeatedly called attention to the fact that the Elevated makes a lot of noise, and we complained about the Impracticability of the information booth in the Penn Statio n... 1930.

The New Yorker

It is often, by the impracticability of obtaining the concurrence of the necessary number of votes, kept in a state of inaction.

The New Yorker

If these Presidents were asked Bush's righteously indignant questions, they probably would have answered, after a deep, exasperated, greatest-generation sigh, by citing some combination of impracticability and respect for sovereignty.

The New Yorker

The line which Mr. Eden will take is based on the illegality and impracticability of continuing sanctions under the Covenant after an aggression has succeeded, it was believed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing "impracticability". In less formal settings, simpler terms like "unrealistic" or "not practical" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "impracticability" when something is merely difficult, not truly impossible or unfeasible. Overstating the issue weakens your argument. Use more nuanced terms like "challenging" or "difficult" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impracticability" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the state or quality of something being impractical. As Ludwig indicates, the word describes a condition where something cannot be effectively done or is not feasible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

8%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impracticability" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun used to describe the state of something being impossible or extremely difficult to put into practice. As Ludwig AI points out, the word is appropriate for formal contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. When using "impracticability", ensure that the context provides clear reasons for why something is considered unfeasible. Be mindful not to overstate the degree of impossibility. While alternatives like "unfeasibility" and "infeasibility" exist, the specific context should guide the selection of the most appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfeasibility

Focuses on the lack of possibility or likelihood of something being done successfully.

infeasibility

Highlights the impossibility of achieving a particular outcome or implementing a specific plan.

impracticality

Emphasizes the lack of suitability for practical purposes or conditions.

unworkability

Stresses that something cannot be made to work or function effectively.

lack of feasibility

Expresses the absence of conditions that make something possible or likely.

non-viability

Indicates that something is not capable of surviving or succeeding.

impossibility

Highlights that something cannot occur or be achieved, often due to physical or logical constraints.

unachievability

Focuses on the inability to reach a desired goal or outcome.

unrealistic nature

Points out that something is not grounded in reality or practical considerations.

hopelessness

Suggests that a situation is so difficult that there is no reasonable hope of improvement or success.

FAQs

How do you use "impracticability" in a sentence?

"Impracticability" refers to the state of being impossible or very difficult to put into practice. For example: "The "impracticability of the proposed plan" led to its rejection".

What are synonyms for "impracticability"?

Several words share a similar meaning with "impracticability", including "unfeasibility", "infeasibility", and "impracticality". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "impracticability" in formal writing?

Yes, "impracticability" is suitable for formal writing. It is a noun that clearly communicates that something is not practical or feasible.

What is the difference between "impracticability" and "impossibility"?

"Impracticability" suggests something is very difficult or not sensible to do in practice, while "impossibility" implies that something cannot be done at all. "Impracticability" leaves open the theoretical possibility, while "impossibility" does not.