doable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈuːəbəl/
US
- /ˈduəbəl/
Description
- possible
- achievable
- practical
Something described as "doable" isn't an impossible dream—it's something you can actually accomplish. Think of a weekend project like building a birdhouse. That's doable! Climbing Mount Everest without any training? Definitely not doable.
The word suggests a task is within reach, given your skills, time, and resources. It's often used when assessing whether something is realistic or worth attempting. A stressed student might ask, "Is finishing this report tonight even doable?" Or a team leader might say, "Let's break down this huge project into smaller, more doable steps." It implies practicality and the possibility of success.
"Doable" describes something that is capable of being done or accomplished; it's practical, achievable, and within the realm of possibility. It goes beyond simply possible – it suggests a reasonable chance of success with available resources and effort.
The word often arises when facing challenges or evaluating tasks. If you're overwhelmed by a long to-do list, you might prioritize the "most doable" items first—the ones that seem easiest to tackle. It's about assessing feasibility. A seasoned chef might declare a complex soufflé "doable" with the right ingredients and technique, while an amateur cook might find it daunting.
"Doable" isn't just limited to tasks; it can also describe goals or plans. "Her dream of opening a bakery seemed more doable after she secured funding." It implies that something has moved from being a distant aspiration to a realistic objective.
The opposite of "doable" might be "impossible," "not feasible," or "unrealistic." (Something can feel daunting and still be doable, though.) It's a word that encourages action and suggests that even big challenges can be broken down into manageable steps. So, if you're wondering whether something is worth pursuing, ask yourself: Is it doable? If the answer is yes, then go for it!
Examples
- 1
Hiking
The hike is long, but it's doable in a day.
- 2
Workload
I can't finish the whole report tonight, but two pages is doable.
- 3
Cooking
This recipe looks fancy, but it's actually doable at home.
- 4
Staffing
That schedule isn't doable without more staff.
- 5
Project planning
The deadline felt impossible at first, but once we split the job up, it seemed doable.
- 6
Small business
Running a small online shop is hard work, but it's doable if you stay organized.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- doableadjective