workaround

USAGE SUMMARY

"workaround" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an informal noun that means a method or strategy used to deal with a problem or difficulty. For example, "The company had to find a workaround to the recent supply shortage in order to keep production running."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This limited Opportunity's ability to drive backwards autonomously.But Scott Maxwell, the rover's driver, devised a clever workaround.

The Economist

Given that the Supreme Court proposed the very workaround the Obama administration is now putting into place, chances seem remote.

The Economist

AS THE date on which Treasury runs flat out of money grows nearer, various harebrained ideas to workaround the statutory limit on borrowing and keep paying the bills have been getting more attention.

The Economist

Mr Howe says: "While rebooting once a day is a fine workaround for a departmental application, it falls far short of the four-hours-a-year downtime standards set by Unix and mainframe systems.

The Economist

But the steady drip of new rules makes it ever harder for ordinary Chinese to invest.Still, one venture capitalist keen on crypto-currencies predicts "some workaround is likely".

The Economist

An awkward workaround would be to name a rotating captain or manager in work groups to mimic a real company, but perhaps the reality is that skills in delegating and managing up are best learned on the job.

The Economist

The word vagina was unacceptable on three big American networks, and even "down there", a wink-wink workaround, was unacceptable for two.

The Economist

"A €1 trillion [$1.3 trillion] market would cease to function quite literally overnight, unless a workaround is found," the analysts note.The tax is also likely to harm the international aspirations of big European banks, since they may be taxed on transactions in foreign shares or bonds conducted through their foreign branches.

The Economist

Traders have devised a simple workaround.

The Economist

The same process happens on PlayStation 4. On PC, the game should already be in players' Steam accounts — even if they haven't pre-ordered, but own Ghosts, Advanced Warfare or Black Ops 2. One players has posted a workaround that seems to help some users get onto the game.

Independent

A very quick workaround, which uses Siri, lets people into the phone even if the passcode and Touch ID fingerprint sensor is turned on.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "workaround", be clear about the problem it is addressing and why a more direct solution is not possible or practical. This provides context and helps the reader understand the necessity of the "workaround".

Common error

Avoid using "workaround" as a generic term for any solution. It specifically implies a less-than-ideal solution to a problem, often because of constraints or limitations. If the solution is straightforward and optimal, a different term like "solution" or "fix" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "workaround" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a method or strategy employed to overcome obstacles or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, exemplified by instances where temporary fixes are devised to bypass problems. Its function is to provide a means of continuing operations despite challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "workaround" is a commonly used noun that describes a method for overcoming a problem, often when a direct solution is unavailable or impractical. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid and frequently used term. It's most prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "workaround", be sure to provide enough context, and avoid overusing it as a catch-all term for any solution. Alternatives include "alternative solution" and "makeshift fix", each with slightly different connotations. Keep these nuances in mind to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work around

Emphasizes that you are dealing with an imperfection

alternative solution

Focuses on the solution aspect, emphasizing it's not the standard or preferred one.

makeshift fix

Highlights the temporary and often improvised nature of the solution.

temporary solution

Emphasizes the impermanence of the fix, suggesting it's not a long-term answer.

ad-hoc method

Implies a solution created for a specific, immediate need without planning.

interim measure

Stresses that the action is a stopgap until a more permanent solution is available.

stopgap solution

Similar to interim measure, underscoring the temporary nature of the solution.

creative solution

Highlights the ingenuity and non-standard thinking involved in the solution.

improvisation

Emphasizes the spontaneous creation of a solution, often in response to unexpected circumstances.

circumvention

Focuses on avoiding or bypassing an obstacle rather than directly addressing it.

FAQs

How to use "workaround" in a sentence?

You can use "workaround" to describe a method to bypass a problem. For example, "The software update had a bug, but we found a "workaround" to continue our work."

What can I say instead of "workaround"?

You can use alternatives like "alternative solution", "makeshift fix", or "temporary solution" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "workaround" or "solution"?

"Workaround" implies a non-ideal solution used to bypass a problem, while "solution" suggests a more direct and effective resolution. The choice depends on whether the method fully resolves the issue or merely circumvents it.

What's the difference between "workaround" and "circumvention"?

"Workaround" typically refers to a method of dealing with a problem, whereas "circumvention" emphasizes avoiding or bypassing an obstacle or rule. "Workaround" is the more general term.