Learn English – Adjective for things that in theory can exist but in real world cannot exist

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What adjective can I use for things that in theory can be assumed but in real world never happen? For example, consider "different types of societies". One of the types that we mean is a society in which the thoughts and beliefs of all the members are exactly the same. Another type is a society in which each members has thoughts and beliefs that are totally independent form others. Obviously, these types can be assumed but never happen in the real world. Is "different theoretically possible types of societies" appropriate?

Best Answer

You're not going to find a word that means "could exist but will never exist." Something (1) does exist, (2) does not exist, (3) is capable of existing, or (4) cannot exist.

However, there are some words and phrases that might still apply:

Improbable:

unlikely to be true or to occur; also : unlikely but real or true

Conceptual:

of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

The implication is that it does not exist in practice. (However, it may not be appropriate because concepts often turn into reality.)

Practically impossible.

Despite it's literal meaning based on practical ("of, relating to, or manifested in practice or action : not theoretical") the phrase practically impossible actually means essentially or effectively impossible, not absolutely impossible.

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