Impractical vs. Practical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Impractical approaches or ideas are often unrealistic and inefficient, whereas practical ones are realistic, functional, and directly applicable.
Difference Between Impractical and Practical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Impractical ideas or methods typically disregard efficiency or feasibility, focusing on concepts that are idealistic but difficult to implement, while practical approaches are grounded in reality, emphasizing usability and effectiveness.
Impractical solutions might involve complex processes with high costs or low returns, ideal for theoretical or experimental scenarios, whereas practical solutions are cost-effective, straightforward, and yield tangible benefits.
In problem-solving, impractical approaches might overlook simpler solutions in favor of novelty or complexity, on the other hand, practical solutions often use resources efficiently and aim for the most direct path to results.
When considering innovation, impractical ideas may push the boundaries of what is currently achievable, potentially driving future innovations, while practical ideas often enhance current technologies or methods, improving immediate usability and acceptance.
Impractical approaches can sometimes lead to groundbreaking discoveries when they challenge conventional thinking, whereas practical approaches ensure stability and predictability, crucial for everyday applications and business operations.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Idealistic, often complex
Realistic, straightforward
Cost-Effectiveness
May involve high cost, low return
Usually cost-effective, high return
Feasibility
Difficult to implement, may lack practicality
Easy to implement, highly feasible
Innovation
Can drive future innovations, less immediately applicable
Enhances current technologies, immediately applicable
Outcome in Problem-solving
Often over-complicated, may miss simpler solutions
Direct and efficient, focuses on tangible results
Compare with Definitions
Impractical
Idealistic but not the most effective in real situations.
His impractical idea of solar-powered shoes was creative but unfeasible.
Practical
Aimed at efficient problem-solving with direct results.
The engineer's practical solution saved the company time and money.
Impractical
Not suited to practical use or easily implemented; unrealistic.
Building a bridge out of glass is impractical due to the material's fragility.
Practical
Concerned with actual use rather than theoretical possibilities.
She preferred practical experiments over theoretical calculations.
Impractical
Lacking consideration for the cost or outcome.
Hosting an outdoor event in winter was impractical.
Practical
Resulting in a tangible or beneficial outcome.
Learning a second language is practical for enhancing career opportunities.
Impractical
Involving more effort and less likelihood of success.
It was impractical to take the back roads during the storm due to flooding.
Practical
Capable of being implemented effectively; realistic and useful.
Using solar panels in sunny regions is a practical way to generate energy.
Impractical
Often visionary but lacking immediate application.
The architect's design was aesthetically pleasing but impractical for the given climate.
Practical
Marked by simplicity and a lack of unnecessary complexity.
His practical approach to cooking involved using fewer ingredients but achieving maximum flavor.
Impractical
Unwise to implement or maintain in practice
Refloating the sunken ship proved impractical because of the great expense.
Practical
Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas
There are two obvious practical applications of the research
Impractical
Incapable of dealing efficiently with practical matters, especially finances.
Practical
(of an idea, plan, or method) likely to succeed or be effective in real circumstances; feasible
Neither of these strategies are practical for smaller businesses
Impractical
Not a part of experience, fact, or practice; theoretical.
Practical
So nearly the case that it can be regarded as so; virtual
For all practical purposes, she's his girlfriend
Impractical
Impracticable. See Usage Note at impracticable.
Practical
An examination or lesson in which theories and procedures learned are applied to the actual making or doing of something.
Impractical
Not practical; impracticable
Practical
Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory or speculation
Gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
Impractical
Not practical.
Practical
Manifested in or involving practice
Practical applications of calculus.
Impractical
Not practical; not workable or not given to practical matters;
Refloating the ship proved impractical because of the expense
He is intelligent but too impractical for commercial work
Practical
Capable of or suitable to being used or put into effect; useful
Practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
Impractical
Not practical or realizable; speculative;
Airy theories about socioeconomic improvement
Visionary schemes for getting rich
Practical
Concerned with the production or operation of something useful
Woodworking is a practical art.
Practical
Having or showing good judgment; sensible
If we're practical, we can do the job quickly.
Practical
Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual
The snowstorm was a practical disaster.
Practical
Relating to, or based on, practice or action rather than theory or hypothesis.
Jack didn't get an engineering degree, but has practical knowledge of metalworking.
Modern engineering applies science to practical problems.
Practical
Being likely to be effective and applicable to a real situation; able to be put to use
Jack's knowledge has the practical benefit of giving us useful prototype parts.
Practical
Of a person, having skills or knowledge that are practical
All in all, Jack's a very practical chap.
Practical
Of a prop: having some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) Light fixtures used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical lighting can help sell the illusion that the film is a real situation.
Practical
(British) A part of an exam or series of exams in which the candidate has to demonstrate their practical ability
Practical
(theater) A prop that has some degree of functionality, rather than being a mere imitation.
Practical
(film) A light fixture used for set lighting and seen in the frame of a shot as part of the scenery.
Practical
Laboratory experiment, test or investigation
Practical
Of or pertaining to practice or action.
Practical
Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry.
Practical
Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.
Practical
Derived from practice; as, practical skill.
Practical
Concerned with actual use or practice;
He is a very practical person
The idea had no practical application
A practical knowledge of Japanese
Woodworking is a practical art
Practical
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory;
A hardheaded appraisal of our position
A hard-nosed labor leader
Completely practical in his approach to business
Not ideology but pragmatic politics
Practical
Being actually such in almost every respect;
A practical failure
The once elegant temple lay in virtual ruin
Practical
Having or put to a practical purpose or use;
Practical mathematics
Practical applications of calculus
Common Curiosities
Why is practicality important in business?
Practicality is crucial in business for ensuring cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and achieving tangible results.
How can one turn an impractical idea into a practical one?
By refining the idea to align with real-world constraints, simplifying it, and focusing on achievable goals.
What are the characteristics of a practical person?
A practical person focuses on realistic solutions, efficiency, and effectiveness in their actions and decisions.
Can impractical ideas be beneficial?
Yes, impractical ideas can inspire innovation and lead to breakthroughs by challenging conventional limits.
What is the difference between impractical and theoretical?
Impractical refers to ideas that are not easily applied, while theoretical focuses on concepts that are abstract and not yet applied.
What makes an idea impractical?
An idea is impractical if it's unrealistic to implement, costly, and doesn’t consider practical limitations.
What is a common practical skill everyone should have?
Basic financial literacy is a practical skill crucial for managing personal finances effectively.
What is a practical example of impracticality?
Designing a vehicle that runs on an exotic, scarcely available fuel source is impractical due to its limited applicability.
How does practicality affect decision-making?
Practicality leads to decisions based on what is achievable and beneficial, minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency.
What should be considered when evaluating if a plan is practical?
Consider resources, time, cost, and the likelihood of achieving the intended outcome.
Is being impractical always a negative trait?
Not always, as it can encourage creative thinking and exploring beyond typical boundaries.
What role does technology play in practical solutions?
Technology often facilitates practical solutions by improving efficiency and accessibility.
How do practical skills differ from soft skills?
Practical skills are task-specific and directly applicable to specific activities, whereas soft skills are interpersonal and useful in a broad range of situations.
Can a project start as impractical and become practical?
Yes, as ideas evolve and adapt to challenges, what starts as impractical can often be adjusted to become practical.
How can educators encourage practical thinking in students?
By incorporating real-world applications and problem-solving exercises in the curriculum.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
