impractical demands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impractical demands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe requests or expectations that are unrealistic or difficult to fulfill. Example: "The project manager's impractical demands made it challenging for the team to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Gilbert, during an interview in his Avery Fisher Hall office, confessed to agnosticism regarding some of the more impractical demands and cosmic aspirations of Stockhausen's final decades.

The New York Times - Arts

Here the origin and effects of extraction noise are discussed and it is shown that inverse filtering techniques may be used to reduce extraction noise without making impractical demands of the electrical test signal or the source loudspeaker.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

These "character negatives" have ample opportunity to flourish as difficulties, noise and disruption mount, but Proulx's imperious and frequently impractical demands are redeemed by a dry sense of her own shortcomings.

The Guardian - Books

Responsibility for the lack of progress to date lies partly with president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (pictured above), whose nationalist rhetoric has included inflammatory and impractical demands, such as the complete disarmament of rebel groups as a prerequisite for talks.

The Economist

In the place of the confidence-building measures that it stipulated, he has made provocative and impractical demands, such as the complete disarmament of the rebel groups before talks begin.

The Economist

Finally, the use of rights language encourages people to make impractical demands, since one can assert a right without attending to the desirability or even the possibility of burdening others with the corresponding obligations.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It would be an impractical demand on even the formidable gifts of Calzaghe.

Independent

For weaker coupling, longer time series would have to be simulated to achieve robust statistical sampling of the process, which would pose an impractical demand for both memory and computational time especially in combination with the requirement to cover a two-parameter plane.

European Journal of Neuroscience

Sometimes slight flaws in an otherwise great opera — say, a convoluted plot twist or impractical vocal demands — can account for the work's neglect.

The New York Times - Arts

Then gradually, he began to appear messy -- cranky about telephone operators who didn't take his messages, impractical in his demands, grandiose in his self-image.

The New York Times

Yet the views of such groups are often ill-thought out and their demands impractical - for example, the call from rail safety groups for 100percentnt security on Britain's railways.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. In formal settings, opt for more precise language like "unrealistic requirements" or "unfeasible stipulations".

Common error

Avoid using "impractical demands" when the demands are simply challenging but achievable. Reserve the phrase for situations where the demands are genuinely impossible to meet with the available resources or constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impractical demands" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "impractical" modifies the noun "demands". According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to describe requests or expectations that are unrealistic or difficult to fulfill, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impractical demands" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase to describe requests that are unrealistic or unachievable. It is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, suggesting that while it's not the most frequent phrase, it's a valid and effective way to express criticism of unfeasible requests. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context explaining why the demands are impractical and adjust the tone to suit your audience. Remember that alternatives like "unrealistic expectations" and "unreasonable requests" may be more appropriate in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrealistic expectations

Emphasizes the lack of realism in what is being expected.

unreasonable requests

Highlights the lack of justification or fairness in the requests made.

unattainable requirements

Focuses on the impossibility of meeting the specified requirements.

unfeasible stipulations

Underscores the impractical nature of the conditions or stipulations set.

inordinate claims

Suggests that the claims being made are excessive or disproportionate.

excessive expectations

Highlights that the level of expectations is too high or unreasonable.

demands out of reach

Focuses on the impossibility to achieve or reach expectations.

pie-in-the-sky requests

Emphasizes that the requests are unlikely to materialize or be fulfilled.

visionary but unachievable requests

Highlights that the requests, while potentially innovative, cannot be realized in practice.

dreamy but unworkable requests

Suggests that the requests, while perhaps appealing, cannot be implemented effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "impractical demands" in a sentence?

You can use "impractical demands" to describe requests or expectations that are unrealistic or difficult to fulfill. For example: "The project manager's "impractical demands" made it challenging for the team to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to saying "impractical demands"?

Alternatives to "impractical demands" include "unrealistic expectations", "unreasonable requests", or "unattainable requirements", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "impractical demands"?

It's appropriate to use "impractical demands" when describing requests or expectations that are genuinely impossible to meet given the existing constraints, resources, or limitations. It is best suited when you want to highlight that it is not simply challenging, but rather unachievable to satisfy the requests.

What is the difference between "impractical demands" and "challenging requests"?

"Impractical demands" implies that the requests are not feasible or achievable, while "challenging requests" suggests that the requests are difficult but still possible to fulfill. Therefore, challenging requests is a far softer term that does not entail the level of burden as "impractical demands".