as in useless
not capable of being put to use or account
the flimsy little toy shovel was cute, but completely impractical for digging up tree stumps
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Recent Examples of impractical
Novelty cases, chains, and charms that are oversized, brightly colored, and sometimes deliberately impractical have become a visible outlet for self-expression.
—
Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Household Glass Window panes, mirrors, light bulbs and tableware are impractical to recycle.
—Chris Baskind, Treehugger, 20 Jan. 2026
While white pants might sound impractical and can be a divisive choice, these relaxed styles are surprisingly wearable.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
While impractical to expect similar results after a national-championship season, many did.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impractical
Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Household Glass Window panes, mirrors, light bulbs and tableware are impractical to recycle.
—Chris Baskind, Treehugger, 20 Jan. 2026
While white pants might sound impractical and can be a divisive choice, these relaxed styles are surprisingly wearable.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
While impractical to expect similar results after a national-championship season, many did.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impractical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impractical
Adjective
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Homeowners and residents are baffled by the attacks upon their beautiful — but otherwise seemingly useless — plants.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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My deep cynicism thinks this was a diabolical plan to herd young people toward expensive, and somewhat useless, college degrees.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Its old building, constructed in 1939 for the Social Security Board, needed expensive renovations; reportedly had ancient, faulty wiring; was far too big; and was generally unsuitable for modern journalism.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
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The list of skilled talent deemed unsuitable by the coaching staff since the spring of 2024 includes the list above, married to names like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, all of whom were found wanting.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In previous winters, the bathroom pipes in his unit froze making the toilet and shower unusable, but property managers resolved it within a day or two, DeFelice said.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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Here are examples of what to avoid in winter, including the number one item that could turn your black gold into a stinky, unusable mess.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impractical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impractical. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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