WordGarden.iomanageable
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈænɪdʒəbəl/
US
- /ˈmænɪdʒəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
easy enough to handle, control, or deal with
Beyond the definition
Something that's manageable is not too hard or too much for you to deal with. Think of a small garden: you can take care of it without too much trouble. A jungle, not so much. The word suggests that a task or situation is within your ability and will not take over your whole day or all your energy. If your to-do list feels endless, breaking it into smaller parts can make it feel more manageable.
Imagine a sailor in rough weather. They cannot stop the waves, but they can still guide the boat through them. A manageable problem is not always easy, but it is still possible to deal with. Sometimes, seeing that something is not manageable is the first step to solving it, because that is when you realize you need help.
The word manageable describes something that can be controlled, handled, or dealt with effectively without being overly difficult or overwhelming. It implies a level of practicality and feasibility. A task, project, or situation described as manageable is within someone's capacity to successfully navigate.
For example: "After breaking the large project into smaller steps, it became much more manageable." Or, "The hike was challenging, but the distance was manageable for experienced hikers." It's often used in contexts involving workload, responsibilities, or challenges. A good leader knows how to assign tasks so they are manageable for their team members.
However, manageable doesn't necessarily mean easy. Something can be difficult but still within the realm of possibility—and therefore, manageable. It's about being able to exert control and make progress, even if it requires significant effort.
The opposite of manageable is often something chaotic, overwhelming, or impossible. If a situation feels completely out of your hands, it's likely not manageable. Recognizing when something isn't manageable can be just as important as knowing how to handle what is—sometimes you need to ask for help or adjust your expectations.
So, if something feels within reach, capable of being handled with effort and skill, then it's likely manageable—a comforting word in a world often filled with the overwhelming.
Examples
- 1
Test timing
The test was difficult, but the time limit was manageable.
- 2
Rent
We moved into a smaller apartment with a more manageable rent.
- 3
Daily tasks
Try to keep your daily tasks to a manageable number.
- 4
Pain control
The doctor said the pain should be manageable with medication.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Project planning
We broke the project into manageable chunks.
- 6
Clear plan
The problem feels more manageable now that we have a clear plan.
- 7
Class size
A class of twenty students is manageable for one teacher.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- manageable size
- manageable workload
- manageable chunks
- keep something manageable
Word family
- manage
- manageability
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- manageableadjective