impracticable

/ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)im-ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

impracticable — adjective

  • impracticablepositive
  • more impracticablecomparative
  • most impracticablesuperlative

1. describes a plan, method, or suggested action that cannot succeed because of rea

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a plan, method, or suggested action that cannot succeed because of real-world problems — for example, a schedule that demands more time than is available, or a rule that costs too much money to follow.

例句

Qing's plan to build a wooden bridge was impracticable because the river was too deep.

collocation: impracticable plan

The school found it impracticable to offer a bus service to every student's home.

pattern: find it impracticable to + infinitive

同義詞
  • unworkable

    stronger focus on a system or method that fails when tried; common in business contexts

  • unfeasible

    very similar in meaning, slightly less formal; common in everyday planning

  • impractical

    overlaps in meaning but leans toward 'not sensible' rather than 'physically impossible'; much more common in everyday English

  • impossible

    stronger and broader; means something cannot happen at all under any circumstances

反義詞
  • practicable

    direct antonym; means capable of being carried out in practice

  • feasible

    common alternative; means possible and realistic to achieve

  • workable

    more informal; means a plan or system can function effectively

文法句型

it + be + impracticable + to-infinitive

find + noun + impracticable

noun + be + impracticable

用法筆記

Often confused with 'impractical'. 'Impracticable' means something cannot physically or practically be carried out (the plan simply does not work in reality). 'Impractical' means something is not sensible, wise, or efficient (the plan could be done, but it would be a bad idea). Use 'impracticable' when the obstacle is factual impossibility or extreme difficulty.

常見錯誤

❌This road is impracticable in winter because it is icy.
✅This road is impassable in winter because it is icy.
💡'Impracticable' refers to plans and actions, not physical obstacles like roads or terrain.
❌Wearing a suit to the beach party would be impracticable.
✅Wearing a suit to the beach party would be impractical.
💡'Impracticable' means cannot be done; 'impractical' means not sensible or convenient.
❌The math problem was impracticable for the students.
✅The math problem was impossible for the students.
💡'Impracticable' applies to plans and methods, not to pure intellectual challenges.