impracticable
UK[ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl]US[ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl]
adj
impossible to do or carry out; not feasible in practice.
adj
(of a road, route, or terrain) impossible to travel along or over.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
practic
able
im
not
practic
doable, feasible
able
capable of
Etymology
the word 'impracticable' is a direct negation formed within english. it combines the latin negative prefix 'im-' with the adjective 'practicable', which itself originates from the late latin 'practicabilis', meaning 'that may be practiced'. the core root 'practic-' traces back to greek 'praktikos', from 'prassein' meaning 'to do, to act'. the suffix '-able' indicates capability. therefore, the literal construction 'not capable of being done' perfectly captures the modern meaning of something that is not feasible or usable. this logical assembly of morphemes provides a clear, transparent path from its classical components to its contemporary abstract sense of impossibility.
Analysis
Structure: im (not) + practic (doable, feasible) + able (capable of)
- im: a latin prefix meaning 'not', a variant of 'in-' used before 'p', 'b', or 'm'.
- practic: derived from the latin root 'practic-', relating to action or practice, from greek 'praktikos' meaning 'concerned with action'.
- able: a suffix of latin origin (via old french '-able') meaning 'capable of, fit for, or worthy of'.
Examples
the proposed schedule was deemed impracticable due to the severe weather warnings.
without proper funding, the ambitious project quickly became impracticable.
the mountain path was completely impracticable for vehicles after the landslide.