Word
workable
Phoneticswork·able
US/ˈwɝkəbəɫ/
UK/wˈɜːkəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing a plan, idea, or system that is practical and can actually be done in real life.
adj. capable of being put into practice or producing the desired effect. Often used to describe solutions or compromises that are realistic rather than perfect.
Examples
“We need to find a workable solution to this problem.”
“After hours of negotiation, the two teams finally reached a workable agreement that satisfied both budgets.”
“While the theoretical model was elegant, the engineers struggled to translate it into a workable prototype that could withstand the pressures of mass production.”
Examples
simple
“We need to find a workable solution to this problem.”
contextual
“After hours of negotiation, the two teams finally reached a workable agreement that satisfied both budgets.”
complex
“While the theoretical model was elegant, the engineers struggled to translate it into a workable prototype that could withstand the pressures of mass production.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'become'.'
Real-World Examples
“None of which, of course, gets us any closer to a workable solution.” Etymology
From work + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/workable