unworkable

adjective

un·​work·​able ˌən-ˈwər-kə-bəl How to pronounce unworkable (audio)
Synonyms of unworkablenext
: not workable : impractical
an unworkable plan/solution
unworkability
ˌən-ˌwər-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce unworkable (audio)
noun
unworkably
ˌən-ˈwər-kə-blē How to pronounce unworkable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unworkable

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Examples of unworkable in a Sentence

the company decided that the proposed reorganization of its operations was unworkable due to high costs
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In many cases, accounting for those risks makes projects financially unworkable, which is why uncertainty often causes developers to delay or walk away from deals altogether. — Lee Kiser, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The lawsuit says the HFPA members were promised lifetime Golden Globes tickets and voting privileges, along with other perks, which Penske reneged on by attaching unworkable conditions. — Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 29 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 See All Example Sentences for unworkable

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unworkable was in 1839

Rhymes for unworkable

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Browse Nearby Words

unworkability
unworkable
unworkableness
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Cite this Entry

“Unworkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unworkable. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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