practicable

[ prak-ti-kuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being done, effected, or put into practice, with the available means; feasible:

   a practicable solution.

   Synonyms: achievable, attainable, workable

   Antonyms: unfeasible

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.

practicable

/ ˈpræktɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being done; feasible
2. usable

Usage

See practical

Derived Forms

• ˈpracticably, adverb
• ˌpracticaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• practi·ca·bili·ty practi·ca·ble·ness noun
• practi·ca·bly adverb
• nonprac·ti·ca·bili·ty noun
• non·practi·ca·ble adjective
• non·practi·ca·ble·ness noun
• non·practi·ca·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of practicable¹

1660–70; < Medieval Latin practic ( āre ) to practice + -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of practicable¹

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

Synonym Study

See possible.

Example Sentences

Joel Bamford, executive director for mergers at the CMA, wrote that measures put forward by the companies represented "as comprehensive a solution as is reasonable and practicable".

From BBC

He said the Education Department should issue new Title IX rules “as soon as practicable.”

From Los Angeles Times

The law requires protections such as providing break areas with shade and “pure, suitably cool” water as “close as practicable” to workers when temperatures exceed 80 degrees.

From Los Angeles Times

“It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

From BBC

There has also been work to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel for royal flights where practicable.

From BBC

Related Words

• achievable
• applicable
• attainable
• doable
• feasible
• handy
• practical
• viable
• workable