not workable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not workable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a plan, agreement, or idea is not practical, sensible, or feasible. For example, "This plan seems too complicated to ever be workable, so let's come up with something simpler."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's just not workable".

The New York Times

It's simply not workable.

The Guardian - Opinion

[Their reforms] are not workable.

The Guardian

"The problem comes when it's not workable.

The New York Times

Reasonable-cause testing was not workable".

The New York Times - Sports

Hunt's proposals are absolutely not workable.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But the layout wasn't workable for roommates.

The New York Times

This legislation simply isn't workable in the long run.

The New Yorker

I'm not a supporter of Natalie Bennett and the Green party because so many of their ideas aren't workable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Barbara B. Kennelly, president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, said the House Republican plan "isn't workable".

The New York Times

What Freud was beginning to realize was that his tidy equating of the unconscious with unbridled instinct and of the conscious with morality wasn't workable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not workable", ensure the context clearly specifies what makes the subject unworkable. Provide reasons or examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "not workable" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or explanation as to why something is "not workable" to make your writing more persuasive and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not workable" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of being impractical or impossible to implement successfully. Ludwig's AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not workable" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is impractical or infeasible. As validated by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys that a plan, system, or idea cannot be successfully implemented due to various constraints. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, as highlighted by the examples. When employing "not workable", it's best practice to provide context explaining why the subject is considered unworkable, thus enhancing clarity and persuasiveness. Alternatives like "unfeasible" or "not viable" can be used, but the choice often depends on the specific nuance intended. Overall, "not workable" is a reliable phrase for clearly indicating impracticality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not viable

Indicates that something cannot succeed or sustain itself.

Not feasible

Directly states that something cannot be done successfully.

Unfeasible

Implies that something cannot be done practically due to constraints or conditions.

Impractical

Suggests that something is not suited for real-world application or is inefficient.

Unrealistic

Highlights that something is not grounded in reality or likely to happen.

Unachievable

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching a certain goal or outcome.

Inoperable

Specifically refers to something not being in a condition to function.

Not sustainable

Focuses on the inability of something to be maintained over time.

Out of the question

Indicates something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

Unserviceable

Suggests that something is not in working order or fit for use.

FAQs

How can I use "not workable" in a sentence?

Use "not workable" to describe plans, ideas, or systems that are impractical or infeasible. For example, "The proposed budget cuts are "not workable" because they would eliminate essential services."

What are some alternatives to saying "not workable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "not viable", "impractical", or "unfeasible" to express that something cannot be successfully implemented.

Is it better to say "not workable" or "unworkable"?

Both "not workable" and "unworkable" are acceptable. "Unworkable" is more concise, but "not workable" can sometimes provide emphasis or fit better within a specific sentence structure. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What does it mean when something is described as "not workable"?

When something is described as "not workable", it means that it is "not feasible", practical, or capable of being implemented successfully due to various constraints or issues.