What does practicability mean?
Practicability is a formal noun meaning the quality of being practicable: the possibility that a plan, method, design, or proposal can actually be carried out successfully. It is especially common in discussions of engineering, technology, economics, public policy, and project planning. The word usually focuses on whether an idea is workable in practice, taking account of constraints such as cost, time, resources, technical requirements, and human behavior. It is related to practicality, but tends to emphasize feasibility rather than the convenience or usefulness of particular details. A proposal may therefore be highly practical in some respects while still being rejected as impracticable because of its scale, expense, or technical demands. The term is less frequent than “feasibility,” but it is useful when discussing not merely whether an idea is desirable, but whether it can be implemented effectively and reliably.
nounThe quality of being practicable, especially the possibility of putting a plan, method, or proposal into practice successfully.
- The quality of being practicable; the feasibility of putting a plan, method, or proposal into practice.
"The committee questioned the practical practicability of completing the project within the proposed deadline."
"Cost was only one factor in assessing the practicability of the proposed transport network."
"Rapid advances in manufacturing have altered the practicability of producing small batches of customized products."
The plural form is uncommon; singular uncountable usage is normal.
"The report compares the practicabilities of three systems under different operating conditions."
A good idea is only the beginning; practicability asks the essential follow-up question: can it actually be done?
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does practicability come from?
Practicability developed in English during the 19th century from the adjective practicable, using the noun-forming suffix -ity. Its roots extend through Latin practicare, meaning “to put into practice,” to Greek prassein, meaning “to do” or “perform.” The same foundational idea appears in practical, practice, and practitioner.
How practicability is actually used
A formal and somewhat literary term, especially common in technical, engineering, economic, and policy discussions. In everyday speech, “feasibility” or “practicality” is often more natural.
Easily confused with practicability
Practicality concerns the usefulness or workability of a plan or design, whereas practicability specifically concerns whether it can be carried out at all.