Impracticability: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to describe something that is theoretically possible but cannot be implemented in practice, often due to practical constraints.

• Though the idea was innovative, its impracticability made it hard to sell to investors
• The impracticability of the plan became evident when costs skyrocketed

Refers to something that cannot happen or be achieved under any circumstances.

• Flying without any mechanical assistance is an impossibility for humans
• The impossibility of meeting the deadline was clear from the start

Suggests that something is not likely to be achieved because it is not reasonable or practical to do under given conditions.

• The unfeasibility of the proposal became a major issue during the meeting
• Shipping goods to that region is marked by its financial unfeasibility

Indicates that something cannot be made to function or succeed, often due to inherent flaws or limitations.

• The unworkability of the new system caused significant delays
• His unworkability as a team leader was soon recognized by everyone

Similar to 'impracticability', though often used more broadly, and in legal terms, to indicate something that can technically be done, but would cause excessive difficulty or expense.

• Continuing the project after such significant budget cuts would result in impracticability, as the necessary resources are no longer available

This legal term is used to describe a situation where a party cannot fulfill their contractual obligations because it has become objectively impossible to do so.

• The natural disaster made it impossible for the contractor to complete the project, resulting in the impossibility of performance defense

This legal term is used when the purpose of a contract cannot be fulfilled, thus rendering the contract void. Often used in legal and contractual discussions.

• The concert's cancellation due to the artist's illness resulted in frustration of purpose, voiding the ticket sales contract