barely workable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely workable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only just functional or effective, often implying that it is not ideal or has significant limitations. Example: "The prototype we created is barely workable, but it gives us a starting point for further development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Using law alone, they want to reverse the ethnic polarization that makes Bosnia barely workable as a country.

The New York Times

While there are "success stories" for both these types of companies that grace the pages of our favorite techno-utopian blogs, looking beyond the headlines you see a recurring pattern: "Professor from XYZ university and team of slave grad students puts together a barely workable demo for more grant funding".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is "liquid democracy" workable?

The Economist

"It's just not workable".

The New York Times

(This hardly seems a workable civic model).

The New York Times

Everything could be workable Buchenwald and Dachau were workable, but they were hardly desirable.

The Guardian

And are they workable?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's all workable".

The Guardian - Sport

Most locations are workable.

The New York Times

Workable, perhaps, but infuriating.

The New York Times

It was never workable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely workable", ensure the context clearly conveys the limitations and potential challenges associated with the subject being described. For example, "The prototype is barely workable, requiring significant improvements before it can be deployed".

Common error

Avoid using "barely workable" when describing something that is completely non-functional. The phrase implies a minimal level of functionality, not a complete absence of it. Instead, opt for phrases like "completely unusable" or "entirely ineffective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely workable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something possesses a minimal level of functionality or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely workable" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe something with minimal functionality. Ludwig AI confirms this. While relatively rare, it appears in reputable news and media sources. When using "barely workable", ensure the context appropriately conveys the limited functionality and challenges associated with the subject. Alternative phrases, such as ""scarcely functional"" or ""marginally viable"", can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely functional

Emphasizes the minimal level of functionality, suggesting it almost doesn't work at all.

marginally viable

Focuses on the viability aspect, implying that it's only just capable of surviving or succeeding.

just about feasible

Highlights the feasibility aspect, indicating it's at the very limit of being achievable.

hardly operational

Similar to scarcely functional but specifically relates to something being in working order.

only minimally effective

Emphasizes the limited effectiveness, suggesting that it doesn't achieve much.

barely manageable

Focuses on the aspect of being able to control or handle something, implying it's difficult to do so.

tenuously sustainable

Highlights the fragility of its sustainability, suggesting it could easily fail.

almost unworkable

Expresses a stronger negative connotation, suggesting it's very close to being completely unusable.

precariously functional

Indicates that the functionality is unstable and at risk of failing.

awkwardly workable

Indicates that is workable, but not in an efficient, elegant or optimal way

FAQs

What does "barely workable" mean?

The phrase "barely workable" describes something that is functional to a minimal degree, implying it's challenging or has significant limitations.

How can I use "barely workable" in a sentence?

You can use "barely workable" to describe a system, plan, or device that functions, but only just. For example, "The initial design was "scarcely functional", but with modifications, it became "marginally viable".

What are some alternatives to "barely workable"?

Alternatives include "scarcely functional", "marginally viable", or "just about feasible", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "barely workable" or "unworkable"?

"Barely workable" suggests a minimal level of functionality, while "unworkable" means completely non-functional. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation you're describing.