Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being concerned with or suited to actual use and real situations, rather than theoretical ideas or possibilities. - This refers to the characteristic of focusing on what is useful, effective, and applicable in real life. 2. A practical aspect, consideration, or detail. - This refers to a specific, real-world factor or issue that must be dealt with.

Usage

The word "practicality" is used to discuss the real-world usefulness, feasibility, or sensible nature of an idea, plan, or object. It is often contrasted with "theory" or "idealism."

Examples

• The practicality of his proposal was questioned, as it required a huge budget.
• When choosing a car, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are important practicalities.
• She admired the design's elegance but doubted its practicality for everyday use.
• Before implementing the new policy, we must consider the practicalities of training all the staff.

Advanced Usage

• "A question of practicality": Used to frame a discussion around whether something is feasible or sensible in practice.
  • Moving the office is not just about cost; it's a question of practicality for our employees.
• "Lack of practicality": Describes an idea or object that is not suited for real-world use.
  • The invention was clever but suffered from a complete lack of practicality.

Variants and Related Words

• Practical (adj): Relating to what is real or possible, rather than ideas; useful.
  • She took a very practical approach to solving the problem.
• Practically (adv): Almost; or, in a practical manner.
  • The project is practically finished. / He explained it very practically.
• Impracticality (n): The quality of not being sensible or realistic.
  • The impracticality of the plan was obvious to everyone.

Synonyms

• Usefulness: The quality of being able to be used for a practical purpose.
• Feasibility: The state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.
• Functionality: The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality.
• Realism: The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.

Antonyms

• Impracticality: The quality of not being sensible or realistic.
• Theoreticalness: The quality of being based on or concerned with theory rather than practice.
• Idealism: The practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically.

Related Phrases

• "In terms of practicality": When considering the practical aspects.
  • In terms of practicality, a smaller device is better for travel.
• "Practicalities of life": The everyday realities and necessities that must be managed.
  • He was a dreamer, often ignoring the practicalities of life.

Noun

1. concerned with actual use rather than theoretical possibilities