Workable vs. Working — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Workable describes something that can be used or put into operation successfully. Working refers to something currently functioning or actively engaged in a task.
Difference Between Workable and Working
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Workable is an adjective used to describe plans, ideas, or methods that are feasible and capable of being carried out effectively. It implies that something can be put into practice successfully, even if it may require some adjustments. Working, on the other hand, is used to describe something that is currently functioning or in operation. It can refer to machinery, systems, or even people actively engaged in their tasks.
While workable emphasizes the potential for success and practicality, working focuses on the current state of being active or operational. These terms are often used in different contexts, with workable relating to the feasibility of ideas or plans and working referring to the functionality of objects or ongoing tasks.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Feasible, capable of being implemented
Currently functioning or engaged in tasks
Usage Context
Ideas, plans, solutions
Machinery, systems, people
Emphasis
Potential for success, practicality
Current state of operation, activity
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Examples
Workable solution, workable plan
Working computer, working on a project
Connotations
Feasibility, practicality
Functionality, activity
Compare with Definitions
Workable
Capable of being put into effective operation.
The team proposed a workable solution to reduce costs.
Working
Engaged in a task or job.
She is working on her latest novel.
Workable
Feasible and practical.
We need a workable plan to meet the project deadline.
Working
Performing work
A working committee.
Workable
Can be carried out with reasonable success.
The idea is workable but will require some adjustments.
Working
Operating or functioning as required
A working flashlight.
Workable
Realistic and achievable.
The proposal seems workable given our current resources.
Working
Having a paying job; employed
Working mothers.
Workable
Suitable for use or development.
The land is workable for agricultural purposes.
Working
Spent at work
A working life of 40 years.
Workable
Capable of being put into effective operation; practicable or feasible
A workable compromise.
Working
Taken while continuing to work
A working vacation.
Workable
Capable of being worked, dealt with, or handled
Workable clay.
Working
Sufficient to allow action
A working majority.
Workable
Capable of functioning.
They came up with a workable solution, until they could think of something better.
Working
Adequate for practical use
A working knowledge of Spanish.
Workable
Able to be worked or fashioned
Working
Serving as a basis or guide for further work
A working hypothesis.
Workable
Capable of being worked, or worth working; as, a workable mine; workable clay.
Working
The manner in which something operates or functions
The workings of the mind.
Workable
Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
Working
The parts of a mine or quarry that have been or are being excavated.
Working
Operation; action.
Working
Method of operation.
Working
(arithmetic) The incidental or subsidiary calculations performed in solving an overall problem.
Be sure to check your working.
Working
Fermentation.
Working
(of bodies of water) Becoming full of a vegetable substance.
Working
A place where work is carried on.
The abandoned mine workings
Working
(countable) A train movement.
Working
Present participle of work
Leave him alone; he’s working.
Working
That is or are functioning.
A working ventilator
Working
That suffices but requires additional work.
A working copy of the script
Working
In paid employment.
Working mothers
Working
Of or relating to employment.
The working week
Working
Enough to allow one to use something.
Working
Used in real life; practical.
The working minimum focus distance is the distance from the closest focusable subject to the lens.
Working
(obsolete) Efficacious.
Working
A mine or quarry that is being or has been worked
Working
Actively engaged in paid work;
The working population
The ratio of working men to unemployed
A working mother
Robots can be on the job day and night
Working
Adequate for practical use; especially sufficient in strength or numbers to accomplish something;
The party has a working majority in the House
A working knowledge of Spanish
Working
Adopted as a temporary basis for further work;
A working draft
A working hypothesis
Working
(of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing;
In running (or working) order
A functional set of brakes
Working
Serving to permit or facilitate further work or activity;
Discussed the working draft of a peace treaty
They need working agreements with their neighbor states on interstate projects
Working
Currently functioning or operational.
The working machine produced hundreds of units per hour.
Working
Performing its intended purpose.
The working model demonstrated the concept perfectly.
Working
Active and effective.
All systems are working as expected.
Working
Related to the state of employment or task completion.
The employees are working efficiently today.
Common Curiosities
What does working mean?
Working means currently functioning or actively engaged in a task.
What does workable mean?
Workable means feasible or capable of being implemented successfully.
Can a plan be workable but not working?
Yes, a plan can be feasible (workable) but not yet in operation (working).
Is working always related to operation?
Yes, working implies that something is currently functioning or in operation.
Is the emphasis of working on potential or current state?
The emphasis of working is on the current state of operation or activity.
Can people be described as workable?
No, workable is used to describe ideas or plans, not people.
Is the emphasis of workable on potential or current state?
The emphasis of workable is on potential feasibility and practicality.
Is a working machine the same as a workable machine?
No, a working machine is currently operational, while a workable machine is one that can be made to work successfully.
Can people be described as working?
Yes, people can be described as working when they are engaged in tasks or jobs.
What is a workable solution?
A workable solution is a feasible and practical answer to a problem.
Can a workable idea become working?
Yes, once implemented, a workable idea can become working.
What is a working solution?
A working solution is one that is currently functioning and effective.
Is workable always related to practicality?
Yes, workable implies feasibility and practicality.
Can a working plan be non-workable?
Not typically; if a plan is working, it generally means it is effective, hence workable.
Can a system be both workable and working?
Yes, a system can be both feasible (workable) and currently operational (working).
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
