workable

/ˈwɜːkəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈwɜːrkəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwər-kə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

workable — adjective

  • workablepositive
  • more workablecomparative
  • most workablesuperlative

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

1.形容詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.形容詞C1
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • stiff

    A material that is difficult to bend or shape

  • brittle

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

用法筆記

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).

常見錯誤

❌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.