Operable
adj.capable, hopefulprofessional
What it means
Able to function, be used, or be treated successfully.
Reach for it when describing something able to function or a condition able to be treated surgically
The surgeon confirmed that the condition was safely operable.
Choose between these
6- everyday
a plan or mechanism can succeed in practice
not when Workable can require changes before use.
- professional
the device performs its required function
not when Functional says nothing about ease of control.
- professional
surgically treatable
the medical sense needs transparent wording
not when Treatability does not predict outcome.
- professional
people can effectively use the item
not when Usability includes more than mechanical operation.
- formal
serviceable
condition is adequate for practical use
not when Serviceable implies adequacy, not full performance.
- formal
a plan can function successfully
not when Viable does not fit mechanical controls precisely.
Said against
3- inoperable
- unusable
- untreatable
It naturally appears in
3- fully operable
All emergency exits were fully operable after the repair.
- safely operable
The surgeon confirmed that the condition was safely operable.
- remain operable
The manual pump should remain operable during a power cut.
Usage notes
Operable has distinct mechanical and medical uses; the surrounding noun should make the intended sense explicit.