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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.

Practical jokes; coffee breaks; banter; and, certainly in my experience, plenty of slagging for the journalist tagging along in the back of the car.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Practical large-scale quantum computers are still years away, but International Business Machines is betting the underlying technology can be used sooner than that.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

One common program used by big tech companies is the Optional Practical Training program, or OPT, which gives foreign graduates at U.S. universities temporary employment after graduation, typically for a year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Practical ways to build control include focusing on what's within reach, breaking large challenges into smaller steps, and using time blocking or lists to track progress.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

Practical as ever, the girls proceeded to pluck the coat and use the feathers to make pillows upon which to embroider the sayings of Agatha Swanburne.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

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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