Pragmatic in a Sentence: Approach, Outlook and Examples

Pragmatic (adjective). focused on what is practical and workable in the situation.

Example: We took a pragmatic approach and repaired the chairs we already had.

Pronunciation guide: prag-MAT-ik. Capital letters show the stressed syllable.

Explore the usage · Try the three-question quiz · Keep learning

How to use pragmatic in a sentence

Use pragmatic to describe a person, choice or method that takes practical circumstances into account. A strong example names both the problem and the workable response: “With only an hour available, we made the pragmatic decision to rehearse the most difficult section first.”

For a broader definition and word background, see our pragmatic meaning guide. This page helps you use the word in your own sentences.

Pragmatic approach: meaning and examples

A pragmatic approach is a way of handling a situation that pays attention to what can actually be done. It may involve adjusting a plan to the available time, money, tools or information.

• Our pragmatic approach was to test the idea with a small group before expanding it.
• She took a pragmatic approach to studying and chose a short routine she could keep.
• Using the community hall was a pragmatic solution to the lack of classroom space.

The word describes the practical basis of the choice. It does not guarantee that the choice will succeed.

Pragmatic outlook: what does it mean?

An outlook is a general way of thinking about situations. A pragmatic outlook gives weight to practical possibilities and consequences. An approach usually describes how someone handles a particular task; an outlook can describe their broader attitude.

• Her pragmatic outlook helped her adapt when the original plan became impossible.
• He has a pragmatic outlook: he asks what resources are available before promising a deadline.

Someone can have ambitious ideals and still take pragmatic steps towards them. The word does not automatically mean cynical, selfish or unwilling to imagine something better.

Pragmatic or pragmatically?

Pragmatic is an adjective: “a pragmatic decision” or “The decision was pragmatic.” Pragmatically is an adverb: “They handled the delay pragmatically.”

To write your own sentence, use this frame: Given ___, a pragmatic choice was to ___. For example: “Given the rain, a pragmatic choice was to move the lesson indoors.” Add a real constraint so the reader can see why the decision was practical.

Practise pragmatic: three quick questions

Try each question before opening its answer. If a question asks you to write a sentence, your own correct example is welcome.

Question 1

Which phrase describes a general attitude: pragmatic outlook or pragmatic approach to this repair?

Question 2

Complete the sentence: “She dealt with the timetable change ___.” Pragmatic or pragmatically?

Question 3

Write one sentence using pragmatic and a clear practical constraint.

Keep learning

Watch How to pronounce PRAGMATIC in British English by English with Collins Dictionary on YouTube.

Compare these words next: Hubris meaning and practice and Tenuous meaning and practice.

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Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Pragmatic. The examples and practice questions on this page are written for English Skill Studio.