Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being impossible to carry out or put into practice. It refers to the inherent unsuitability of a plan, idea, or method for practical use or execution due to excessive difficulty, cost, or other fundamental obstacles. 2. The quality of not being usable. It describes something that cannot be effectively employed or operated under real-world conditions.

Usage

The word "impracticability" is a formal noun used to describe an abstract quality. It is often used in discussions of plans, proposals, theories, or designs to explain why they fail or are unsuitable for real-world application. It focuses on the inherent nature of the thing being described, not on a temporary obstacle.

Examples

• The impracticability of building a road over the unstable marshland forced engineers to consider an alternative route.
• While the theoretical design was elegant, its impracticability became clear when we tried to source the necessary materials.
• The committee cited cost and impracticability as the main reasons for rejecting the proposal.

Advanced Usage

• "Sheer impracticability": This phrase emphasizes the absolute and obvious nature of the impracticality.
  • The plan was abandoned due to its sheer impracticability.
• "Demonstrate/Prove the impracticability of...": A common collocation in formal or technical writing.
  • The pilot study proved the impracticability of the proposed manufacturing process.

Variants and Related Words

• Impracticable (adjective): Not able to be carried out or put into practice.
  • An impracticable scheme.
• Impractical (adjective): Not sensible or realistic; not good at dealing with practical matters. (Note: "Impractical" often suggests a lack of common sense, while "impracticable" suggests an objective impossibility).
  • High-heeled shoes are impractical for hiking.
• Impracticableness (noun): A less common synonym for "impracticability."

Synonyms

• Unfeasibility: The state of not being possible or practical to do easily.
• Unworkability: The quality of not being able to function or succeed in practice.
• Inviability: The state of not being capable of working successfully.

Antonyms

• Practicability: The quality of being able to be done or put into effect successfully.
• Feasibility: The state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.
• Viability: The ability to work successfully.

Noun

1. the quality of not being usable