Doable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Add to dictionary

doable

[ˈduːəbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in work or tasks

Able to be done or carried out successfully; feasible.

Synonyms

achievable, attainable, feasible, possible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
doable

Used in informal settings to describe tasks or goals that can be accomplished with a reasonable amount of effort. It's often used when encouraging others or oneself.

  • Finishing the project in a week is totally doable.
  • Let's plan something that is doable for everyone.
achievable

Used primarily in formal or professional settings to describe goals or objectives that can be successfully reached, often implying that there are specific steps to follow.

  • With the right strategy, the sales targets are achievable.
  • Setting achievable goals is key to a productive work environment.
feasible

Used in both formal and technical contexts to discuss whether a plan, project, or idea can be successfully executed, usually considering practical constraints and resources.

  • This plan is technically feasible, but we need more funding.
  • We conducted a feasibility study to determine if the project is feasible.
possible

A general term used in both formal and informal settings to describe something that can happen or be done. It indicates potential without specifying the level of effort required.

  • Is it possible to finish by tomorrow?
  • Anything is possible if you believe.
attainable

Used in somewhat formal settings to describe aspirations and objectives that can be realistically reached, often suggesting a sense of realism and possibility.

  • Is this level of success attainable given our current resources?
  • The company set attainable goals for the next fiscal year.

Examples of usage

  • It's a challenging project, but definitely doable.
  • With enough time and resources, the task is doable.
  • I believe the plan is doable with some adjustments.
  • It may seem difficult, but it is definitely doable.
  • The deadline is tight, but the task is still doable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Believing a task is doable can boost self-efficacy, which is the confidence to perform the task successfully.
  • When people frame goals as doable, they are more likely to follow through and achieve them.
  • The concept of 'doable' plays a significant role in motivation, as it helps set realistic expectations.

Business

  • In project management, the term 'doable' is often used to assess the feasibility of a project within a set timeline and budget.
  • Startups frequently evaluate ideas based on whether they are doable to ensure effective resource allocation.
  • The phrase 'make it doable' emphasizes a results-driven mindset in corporate environments.

Pop Culture

  • The word has been popularized in various motivational books and speeches, often linked with personal development.
  • In films and TV shows, 'doable' is often used as a way to encourage characters to take on challenges.
  • Catchphrases in media that include 'if it's doable' encourage viewers to believe in their capabilities.

Education

  • Teachers often advise students to break down assignments into doable parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • In educational settings, emphasizing what's doable enhances student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • The concept of doable tasks aligns with modern educational philosophies that promote differentiated learning.

Origin of 'doable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'doable' first appeared in the English language around the 1950s.
  • It combines the word 'do,' meaning to perform an action, with the suffix '-able,' which means capable of.
  • The usage reflects a growing interest in practical language during the post-war era in the United States.

The word 'doable' originates from the combination of 'do' and the suffix '-able', which means 'capable of'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in American English, used to describe tasks or projects that are achievable or feasible. Over time, 'doable' has become a popular term in informal and professional contexts to convey the idea of something being possible to accomplish.


See also: do, dose, outdo, outdoable, overdo, overdoing, redo, undo, undoable.