workable

workable — adjective

1. Something such as a plan, system, or solution that is workable is realistic enou

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

Something such as a plan, system, or solution that is workable is realistic enough to be put into action and achieve its purpose.

Example

Stephanie and her team spent weeks developing a workable plan for the new project.

collocation: workable plan

The city council is still looking for a workable solution to the traffic problem.

collocation: workable solution

Common collocations
  • workable plan
  • workable solution
  • workable system
  • workable agreement
  • workable schedule
  • workable compromise
Synonyms
  • feasible

    Focuses on whether enough time, money, or resources exist to do something

  • practicable

    More formal; suggests something can be done under the actual existing conditions

  • viable

    Emphasises long-term sustainability and continued success

Antonyms
  • unworkable

    The direct opposite; a plan that cannot be made to function

  • impractical

    Not sensible or realistic, often because it costs too much or takes too long

Usage Note

The subject is usually an abstract noun such as plan, system, solution, schedule, or agreement. Frequently used in the negative (not workable) to reject a proposal.

Common Mistakes

The manager said the idea was workable and would fix everything immediately.
The manager said the idea was workable and could be put into action next month.
workable means practical enough to use, not a guaranteed solution that fixes everything.

2. Describes a substance or material that is soft or flexible enough to be molded,

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

Describes a substance or material that is soft or flexible enough to be molded, spread, or altered for a particular purpose.

Example

Takeshi kept kneading the dough until it became soft and workable.

collocation: workable dough

This type of clay is highly workable, making it ideal for detailed pottery.

collocation: workable clay

Common collocations
  • workable clay
  • workable dough
  • workable soil
  • workable metal
  • workable material
Synonyms
  • malleable

    Specifically describes metals that can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking

  • pliable

    Describes something that bends easily without cracking, especially for softer materials

  • ductile

    Technical term for metals that can be drawn into thin wires

Antonyms
  • stiff

    A material that is difficult to bend or shape

  • brittle

    A material that breaks or cracks when you try to shape it

Usage Note

Common in craft, cooking, and construction contexts. Frequently used with negated or conditional structures (if the clay is workable, too dry to be workable, becomes workable).

Common Mistakes

The clay is workable, meaning it is very hard and dry.
The clay is workable, meaning it is soft and easy to shape.
workable describes the ease of shaping or handling, not the opposite.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Workable (B2) is the most practical and everyday word of this group, used for plans, systems, or solutions that can realistically be put into action. Feasible (B2) focuses more on whether something is possible given the available resources — a feasible plan is one you have the time, money, and tools to carry out. Practicable (C1) is more formal and suggests something can be done under the actual circumstances that exist. Viable (B2) emphasises long-term sustainability and the ability to survive or continue. For example, a workable schedule simply needs to be realistic enough to follow; a feasible proposal requires the right budget and staff; a viable business model must keep running profitably over time.

feasible ↗practicable ↗viable ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • barely workable
  • perfectly workable
  • easily workable
  • highly workable

Phrases

  • find something workable
  • prove workable
  • become workable
  • make something workable

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Workable is formed from the verb 'work' (from Old English wyrcan, meaning 'to do, to make') and the suffix '-able' (from Latin -abilis, meaning 'capable of'). The word first appeared in English around the mid-15th century meaning 'capable of being worked or put into practice.' The sense referring to materials that can be shaped developed in the late 16th century.