Tractable: meaning, definitions and examples

When describing a situation, problem, or person that is easy to deal with or control, particularly in a context where cooperation or adaptability is evident.

• The new software is more tractable compared to its predecessor.
• She was a tractable student, always willing to learn and adapt.

Used to describe a situation, problem, or workload that can be handled easily or controlled. Often implies that the task, while potentially difficult, is still within one's ability to handle.

• The new project is challenging but manageable.
• With the help of her team, the workload became manageable.

Best used when referring to someone who follows rules, requests, or standards. Often used in legal, regulatory, or organizational contexts. Can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation if implying blind obedience.

• The company is fully compliant with all industry regulations.
• He is overly compliant, always going along with whatever anyone says.

Primarily used to describe someone who follows orders or directions without question. Often used in contexts involving authority, such as parent-child or teacher-student relationships.

• The obedient child always did his chores without being asked.
• The soldiers were obedient to the commands of their officer.

Suitable for describing a person or animal that is gentle, easy to teach, or manage. Often implies a natural disposition to be calm and peaceful.

• The docile dog followed her owner without hesitation.
• She has a docile nature that makes her a great teacher.

Used when describing a person or situation that is easy to control or influence. Often used in a positive sense to describe compliance.

• The new employee proved to be very tractable and quickly adapted to our workflow.
• The child was surprisingly tractable, following her parents' instructions without any complaints.

Refers to questions, problems, or puzzles that can be figured out or answered. This term often has a positive connotation, implying that a solution exists.

• The math problem seemed difficult at first, but it was ultimately solvable.
• All the clues are solvable if you think carefully.

Used to describe tasks, situations, or amounts of work that are possible to handle or control. It has a positive to neutral connotation.

• With the new team structure, the workload has become much more manageable.
• Her condition is serious but manageable with the right medication.

Used for issues, conflicts, or situations that can be settled or solved through effort or negotiation. This term is usually optimistic about finding a solution.

• The conflict between the two departments is resolvable with proper communication.
• Most misunderstandings are resolvable if both parties are willing to listen.

Applied when referring to problems or objects that can be repaired or corrected. This term is generally neutral.

• Don't worry about the broken vase; it's easily fixable.
• We encountered some software bugs, but they are fixable with a few patches.

This word is suitable when referring to a person or situation that is easy to control or influence.

• The child was more tractable after his nap
• The software is tractable and allows easy customization

Suitable when describing a material that can be easily shaped or bent, or a person who can be easily influenced or controlled. Can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to people.

• Gold is a malleable metal that is often used in jewelry
• The young intern was quite malleable and quickly adopted the company's methods

Use this for describing something that is easily bent or manipulated, often used for materials or sometimes for people who are easily influenced.

• The wet clay was pliable and easy to mold
• His opinions were quite pliable and changed frequently

This term is used when referring to someone or something that can bend easily without breaking or can easily adapt to different circumstances.

• Yoga helps to keep the body flexible
• The project timeline is flexible and can be adjusted as needed

Use this word when talking about someone or something that can easily adjust to new conditions or changes.

• The new employee proved to be very adaptable to different work environments
• The plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in various climates