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practicable

[prak-ti-kuh-buhl]
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adjective
  1. capable of being done, effected, or put into practice, with the available means; feasible: a practicable solution.
  2. capable of being used: a practicable gift.
  3. Theater. (of a stage property or part of a set) designed or constructed for actual use; a practicable window; practicable water faucets.
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Origin of practicable

1660–70; < Medieval Latin practic(āre) to practice + -able
Related formsprac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty, prac·ti·ca·ble·ness, nounprac·ti·ca·bly, adverbnon·prac·ti·ca·bil·i·ty, nounnon·prac·ti·ca·ble, adjectivenon·prac·ti·ca·ble·ness, nounnon·prac·ti·ca·bly, adverb
Can be confusedpossible practicable practical (see synonym study at possible)

Synonyms

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1. workable, achievable, attainable.

Synonym study

1. See possible.

Antonyms

1. unfeasible.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

prospectriskprobabilitycircumstancehazardincidentactionopportunityhopeanticipationoddsexpectationpossibilityfeasibilitychancecontingencyconveniencepracticalityversatilityfortuity

Examples from the Web for practicability

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • He is now quoted as being thoroughly satisfied with its practicability.

    Flying Machines

    W.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell

  • These tests demonstrated the practicability of artificial flight.

    The Age of Invention

    Holland Thompson

  • You have all the qualities, common sense, practicability, everything he hasn't got.

    Galusha the Magnificent

    Joseph C. Lincoln

  • The practicability of the plan has been proved by experience.

    The Last Voyage

    Lady (Annie Allnutt) Brassey

  • The practicability of reinforcing you has been the subject of the gravest consideration.

    The Long Roll

    Mary Johnston

British Dictionary definitions for practicability

practicable

adjective
  1. capable of being done; feasible
  2. usable
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Derived Formspracticability or practicableness, nounpracticably, adverb

Word Origin

C17: from French praticable, from pratiquer to practise; see practical

xref

See practical
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for practicability

1720

from practicable + -ity.

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practicable

adj.

1670s, from Middle French pratiquable (1590s), from pratiquer "to practice," from Medieval Latin practicare "to practice" (see practical). Related: practicableness (1640s).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper