practicable

[prak-ti-kuh-buh l] /ˈpræk tɪ kə bəl/

adjective

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

a practicable solution.

capable of being used:

a practicable gift.

Theater. (of a stage property or part of a set) designed or constructed for actual use; a practicable window; practicable water faucets.

Origin

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

Related forms

practicability, practicableness, noun

practicably, adverb

nonpracticability, noun

nonpracticable, adjective

nonpracticableness, noun

nonpracticably, adverb

Can be confused

possible, practicable, practical (see synonym study at possible; see synonym study at practical)

Synonyms

1. workable, achievable, attainable. See possible.

Antonyms

1. unfeasible.

Examples from the web for practicable

It is now settled that the rebel chief will be tried for treason, and as soon as practicable.
He is an old balloonist, and says the scheme is practicable.
The idea is that power should be devolved to the level closest to the people as is practicable.
There was no practicable way to involve all of us, all the time.
These scopes are more practicable now, when the prognostics of the political end economic barometer are halcyonic.
Military experts have said that the satellites would have no practicable military application in the foreseeable future.
Get the grid right, and it becomes far easier for any good green technology to become profitable and practicable.
But within a single country they may provide the best practicable solution.
It is envisioned that control of civil air traffic will be returned to civilian authorities as soon as practicable.
No more potent instrumentality for this purpose has ever been conceived and no other is practicable of establishment.

British Dictionary definitions for practicable

practicable

/ˈpræktɪkəbəl/

adjective

capable of being done; feasible

usable

Derived Forms

practicability, practicableness, noun
practicably, adverb

practical

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for practicable

adj.

1670s, from Middle French pratiquable (1590s), from pratiquer "to practice," from Medieval Latin practicare "to practice" (see practical). Related: practicableness (1640s).