impracticality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "impracticality" is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not practical or reasonable. For example: "The impracticality of having to take a taxi to the other end of the city makes it difficult to commute daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Discussing the specific language of costume around the world, Rouse says: "Many Asian women retain the sari as a form of dress, despite its impracticality in British winters, because of its social significance within their culture as an expression of loyalty to that way of life".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is just that the city's name has been simplified to the easier-to-pronounce identity of the empire that first built it: Mexico City.Urban LarsonBostonDoing the businessSIR – Your briefing on business schools perpetuated every myth ever said about them: staidness, impracticality, greediness, cheating and more ("New graduation skills", May 12th).

The Economist

The truce will not be extended indefinitely or automatically.Mr Bush has probably by now accepted the impracticality of instructing Mr Abbas to go after the militant factions with force.

The Economist

No company can maintain this level of expenditure without a foreseeable return.Colin Dingwall Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases LondonTransaction taxesSIR – When I was a young banker I used to share Buttonwood's view of the impracticality of financial-transaction taxes (May 3rd).

The Economist

She details vividly Akhmatova's fecklessness and impracticality (not crimes, particularly in a poet, but still remarkable), as well as her generosity.

The Economist

The resilience of the two main communities obliges each to recognise the impracticality of its maximal demands.

The Economist

In fact, the caliphate's first systematic description and justification was undertaken just when its impracticality was being demonstrated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was relieved of his command when he complained of the strategic impracticality of operating massive German offensives simultaneously against Stalingrad and in the Caucasus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Amid all the discussion about the horse, the sheer impracticality of such a structure appears to have been forgotten.

Independent

Otherwise, the musical doodling on the Bechstein is a bit of a problem, as is the "ageing" challenge that is symptomatic of Gray's theatrical impracticality.

Independent

While the wild extravagance and defiant impracticality of couture may be seen as either its greatest strengths or its fatal flaws, for a wedding dress to be all of those things is forgivable – desirable, even.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential plans or ideas, use "impracticality" to highlight aspects that might hinder their successful implementation. For instance, "The impracticality of the proposed budget cuts makes it difficult to proceed with the project".

Common error

Avoid using "impracticality" when you mean something is merely inconvenient. "Impracticality" suggests a fundamental flaw preventing success, whereas "inconvenience" implies a minor difficulty or annoyance. For example, commuting by bike might be inconvenient, but a self-sustaining space station on Mars is an impracticality.

Linguistic Context

The noun "impracticality" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing the state or quality of being impractical, such as "the impracticality of the plan".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impracticality" is a noun denoting the state of being not practical or feasible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage, and its very common occurrence in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Formal & Business contexts highlights its importance across various domains. When writing, remember that "impracticality" indicates a fundamental flaw preventing success, unlike mere inconvenience. For alternative expressions, consider "unfeasibility", "unworkability", or "impracticability", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impracticability

A direct synonym, stressing the difficulty in putting something into practice.

unfeasibility

Focuses specifically on the impossibility of achieving something.

unworkability

Highlights the lack of a practical method for achieving a goal.

implausibility

Highlights how unlikely or unbelievable something is.

inapplicability

Emphasizes that something is not suitable or relevant for a particular situation.

inoperability

Focuses on the inability of something to function or operate effectively.

unrealizability

Focuses on the impossibility of making something real or achievable.

futility

Emphasizes the pointlessness or lack of value in pursuing something.

absurdity

Highlights the ridiculous or unreasonable nature of something.

visionary

Describes something as idealistic and detached from practical concerns.

FAQs

How can I use "impracticality" in a sentence?

You can use "impracticality" to describe something that is not practical or feasible. For example: "The impracticality of the plan became apparent during the meeting."

What is a synonym for "impracticality"?

Synonyms for "impracticality" include "unfeasibility", "unworkability", and "impracticability".

What is the difference between "impracticality" and "inconvenience"?

"Impracticality" refers to something that cannot be done or put into effect, while "inconvenience" refers to something that causes trouble or difficulty but doesn't necessarily prevent something from happening.

Is it correct to say "the impracticality of the idea"?

Yes, it is correct. "The impracticality of the idea" refers to the fact that the idea is not likely to work in practice.