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Definitions

practical

[prak-ti-kuhl] / ˈpræk tɪ kəl /
ADJECTIVE
realistic, useful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
businesslike constructive down-to-earth efficient factual feasible functional possible practicable pragmatic rational reasonable sane sensible sober workable
WEAK
applied both feet on the ground commonsensical doable empirical experimental handy hard-boiled implicit in action in operation matter-of-fact nuts and bolts operative orderly serviceable solid sound systematic unidealistic unromantic usable utile utilitarian virtual workaday working
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excited impossible impractical inefficient irrational unattainable unfeasible unlikely unrealistic unreasonable unsound unworkable
WEAK
incapable inexperienced unproficient unseasoned unserviceable unskilled untrained useless worthless
ADJECTIVE
experienced, proficient
Synonyms
STRONGEST
effective efficient sophisticated
WEAK
accomplished cosmopolitan qualified seasoned skilled trained versed vet veteran working worldly worldly-wise
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impotent ineffective weak
WEAK
impossible impractical incapable inefficient inexperienced unfeasible unproficient unrealistic unseasoned unserviceable unskilled untrained unworkable useless worthless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Katie Jones, the charity's head of fundraising, said: "We know there are real challenges facing our rivers, including water quality, but there are also practical solutions."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

It’s unclear what practical effect the settlement might have.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

In the same subject area, the AP also offers microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and a whole suite of math courses, but this is the first practical application of those at this high-school level.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

An American court can order their return, but as a practical matter, these human beings have essentially been disappeared.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

Both began as practical technologies and became scientific instruments.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing practical

Positive Adjectives to Describe People

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Nothing But the Truth

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List 13

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