unpragmatic
|un-prag-mat-ic|
/ˌʌnpræɡˈmætɪk/
not practical
Etymology
'unpragmatic' originates from English, formed by the negative prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'pragmatic' (from Greek via Latin); 'un-' meant 'not' and 'pragmatic' related to action or practice.
'pragmatic' comes from Late Latin 'pragmaticus' (from Greek 'pragmatikos', from 'pragma' meaning 'deed' or 'thing'); French 'pragmatique' and Late Latin usage influenced the English adjective 'pragmatic', to which the English prefix 'un-' was added to form 'unpragmatic'.
Initially, roots referred to action or deeds ('pragma' = 'deed'); 'pragmatic' evolved to mean 'concerned with practical matters' and 'unpragmatic' came to mean 'not practical' or 'impractical'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
noun form of 'unpragmatic': the quality or state of being unpragmatic; impracticality or lack of concern for practical results.
The project's unpragmatism became apparent when deadlines were missed repeatedly.
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Adjective 1
not pragmatic; not guided by practical considerations—impractical, unrealistic, or unwilling to compromise for workable results.
Her proposal was admirable in theory but unpragmatic in practice.
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Adverb 1
adverbial form of 'unpragmatic': in a way that is not pragmatic; impractically.
They handled the negotiations unpragmatically and lost a chance for compromise.
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Last updated: 2025/11/15 22:01