practicality

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌpræktɪˈkælətiː/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The quality or state of being practical; the ability to deal with things in a realistic and effective manner rather than theoretical or idealistic.; The quality of being suitable for actual use or application; usefulness in real-world situations.; A practical matter, consideration, or detail; something that concerns actual practice rather than theory.; The quality of being sensible and realistic in one's approach to situations; pragmatism.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: practicalities

Collocations

the practicality offor reasons of practicalitysheer practicalitythe practicalities of lifethe practicalities of the situation

Derivatives

practicalpracticallyimpracticalimpracticalitypracticablepracticabilitypractice

Synonyms

pragmatismfeasibilityworkabilityusefulnessutilityexpediency

Antonyms

impracticalityidealismimpracticability

Commonly confused

practicability
EN: 'Practicability' refers specifically to whether something can be done or implemented; 'practicality' is broader, encompassing the quality of being sensible and useful in practice.
pragmatism
EN: 'Pragmatism' is a philosophical approach or attitude favoring practical results; 'practicality' is the quality or state of being practical, or a specific practical consideration.

Spelling tips

EN: Formed by adding '-ity' to 'practical'; note the stress shifts to the antepenultimate syllable (prac-ti-CAL-i-ty).

💬 Examples

  1. The practicality of her approach made it easy for the team to implement the changes quickly.

  2. We need to consider the practicality of this proposal before committing any resources.

  3. The practicalities of moving to a new country include finding housing, opening a bank account, and learning the language.

  4. His practicality in business decisions earned him the respect of his colleagues.