# unworkable

/ənˈwɝkəbəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnwˈɜːkəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unworkable
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

not able to work in real life. You use it for a plan, rule, or system that cannot succeed, even if it sounds fine on paper.

For teachers: incapable of functioning successfully in practice; not feasible as a plan, system, or arrangement. Often modified by degree adverbs such as 'entirely', 'largely', or 'simply'.

## Examples

- This schedule is unworkable for parents with small kids.
- The proposed night-shift rota is unworkable because the team lacks enough drivers to cover weekends.
- What looked fair on paper became unworkable in practice, as conflicting deadlines forced departments to compete for the same limited staff.

## Usage notes

- Used both attributively before nouns such as 'plan' or 'solution' and predicatively after 'be', 'become', or 'prove'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.