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: attainable, achievable, 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

Other Word Forms

• practicability noun
• practicableness noun
• practicably adverb
• nonpracticability noun
• nonpracticable adjective
• nonpracticableness noun
• nonpracticably 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

Transport Scotland said the rail operator now intended to introduce an alternative voice "as soon as practicable".

From BBC

Obama made clear that these were temporary measures and that the government would sell off its stockholdings as soon as that was practicable.

From Los Angeles Times

“To the maximum extent practicable, the needs of the charter school must be given the same consideration as those of the district-run schools.”

From Los Angeles Times

“While the company has agreed to place impacted associates at other locations, for many workers, the reality is these stores are too far from one another for a transfer to be practicable,” he added.

From Salon

It requires the government “shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable,” all unaccompanied children receive legal counsel to represent them in “legal proceedings.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• achievable www.thesaurus.com
• applicable 
• attainable 
• doable 
• feasible 
• handy 
• practical 
• viable 
• workable