pragmatism

American  

[prag-muh-tiz-uhm] / ˈpræg məˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. character or conduct that emphasizes practicality.

2. a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value.

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pragmatism British  

/ ˈpræɡməˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. action or policy dictated by consideration of the immediate practical consequences rather than by theory or dogma

2. philosophy

   1. the doctrine that the content of a concept consists only in its practical applicability

   2. the doctrine that truth consists not in correspondence with the facts but in successful coherence with experience See also instrumentalism

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pragmatism Cultural  

1. An approach to philosophy, primarily held by American philosophers, which holds that the truth or meaning of a statement is to be measured by its practical (i.e., pragmatic) consequences. William James and John Dewey were pragmatists.

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Usage

What does pragmatism mean? Pragmatism is a way of dealing with problems or situations that focuses on practical approaches and solutions—ones that will work in practice, as opposed to being ideal in theory. The word pragmatism is often contrasted with the word idealism, which means based on or having high principles or ideals. Pragmatism, on the other hand, is based on real-world conditions or circumstances—considering what can realistically be done as opposed to the best theoretical course of action. More specifically, pragmatism can refer to the philosophical movement or approach that emphasizes practical consequences in the determination of meaning, truth, or value. The adjective form pragmatic means practical, especially when making decisions. The word pragmatist can refer to a person who prefers to act pragmatically, or to a philosopher who adheres to the movement of pragmatism. Example: We need a candidate who values pragmatism and can get things done in the real world—not some idealist who will never compromise.

Other Word Forms

• antipragmatism noun
• pragmatist noun
• pragmatistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pragmatism

First recorded in 1860–65; pragmat(ic) + -ism

Explanation

When you practice pragmatism, you accept conditions as they are and make practical decisions. Your head is not in the clouds. If you urge your daydreaming friend to accept that life is not a fairy tale and the only way to succeed is through hard work, that's pragmatism. This is an approach based on how things are, not on how you wish they were. This also refers to a philosophical doctrine built on the idea that something can only be true if it works. If you're known for your pragmatism, then you're realistic, logical, and know how to get things done.

Example Sentences

Daniel Beland, a politics professor at McGill University in Montreal, said Carney’s ability to bring in new lawmakers stems from the Canadian leader’s pragmatism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

As for mid-level and front-line managers, “there’s a greater pragmatism there.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Post leadership has framed the massive layoffs through a lens of data-driven business pragmatism rather than character considerations.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Indeed, this pragmatism runs through Rodríguez's political DNA.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Seventeen years of Scholar pragmatism protest the existence of creatures that are supposed to be nothing but legend.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Related Words

• common sense
• good sense
• practicality
• realism
• usefulness
• utilitarianism