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practically impossible

/ˈpræktɪkli ɪmˈpɑːsəbəl/
adjective phrase★Intermediate💡 extremely difficult or unlikely

“The task was practically impossible under the given time constraints.”

The task was so difficult that it was almost impossible to complete on time.

informal

Something that is extremely difficult or unlikely to happen or be achieved

Climbing that mountain without proper equipment is practically impossible.

It is almost impossible to climb that mountain without the right gear.

Finding a parking spot in the city during rush hour is practically impossible.

It is very difficult to find a parking spot in the city during peak hours.

💡

This phrase is often used to emphasize the extreme difficulty of a situation or task.

Collocations

practically impossible toused to describe something that is extremely difficult or unlikely

Synonyms

extremely difficulthighly unlikelynearly impossiblevirtually impossible

Antonyms

easyfeasiblepossibleachievable

Related Phrases

virtually impossiblephrase
almost impossible
highly unlikelyphrase
very improbable

💡Pro Tip

Emphasis

Use this phrase to emphasize the extreme difficulty of a situation or task.

⚡Gold Rule

Context

This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'practically' (in a practical sense) and 'impossible' (not possible) to emphasize the extreme difficulty of a situation.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations that are nearly impossible to achieve or accomplish.

Word Breakdown

practically
in a practical sense, effectively
adverb
+
impossible
not possible
adjective
English Dictionary

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The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.