workable

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   capable of being used effectively or put into practice; likely to achieve the intended result

   After several revisions, the negotiators finally produced a workable compromise.

2. 2
   adj

   capable of being shaped, processed, or otherwise worked

   Adding a little water made the clay workable without making it weak.

Formed in English from work + -able. Its literal sense describes material that can be worked or shaped; the common figurative sense extends that idea to plans and systems that can function effectively in practice.

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