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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

prospect, risk, probability, circumstance, hazard, incident, action, opportunity, hope, anticipation, odds, expectation, possibility, feasibility, chance, contingency, convenience, practicality, versatility, fortuity

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