unworkable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​work·​able ˌən-ˈwər-kə-bəl 

: not workable : impractical

an unworkable plan/solution

unworkability

ˌən-ˌwər-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unworkably

ˌən-ˈwər-kə-blē 

adverb

unworkability

2 of 2

noun

un·​workability ¦ən+ 

: the quality or state of being unworkable : impracticality

Synonyms of unworkable

Adjective

• impractical
• useless
• unsuitable

Examples of unworkable in a Sentence

Adjective

the company decided that the proposed reorganization of its operations was unworkable due to high costs

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mobilising institutional capital Blended finance, using public capital to de-risk and crowd in private investment, was central to how Greater Manchester approached housing and regeneration after the original model proved unworkable. — Nina Seega, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The process was an arcane, possibly unworkable attempt to solve a problem—widespread noncitizen voting—that simply doesn’t exist. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Rebuilding in the historic town lags because of an unworkable maze of regulations. — Jonathan Helton, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

However, the City Council at the time repealed the measure and called it unworkable. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unworkable

• workable