Learn English – Ability to be enabled

phrase-requestword-request

I want to say that something can be enabled or disabled.
Is there a single word or a phrase to describe this?
I found the word "enableable" on Urban Dictionary , but i'm still not sure if this word exists and frequently used.

Best Answer

"Enableable" is possible, but it's not a common word and it's a little difficult to pronounce.

If essential to the idea is that something is not presently enabled but can be enabled, I think I would use a phrase, like "can be enabled". Depending on the context, you might simply use a totally different word, like say the thing is "available".

Afterthought

People on here often ask, "What is one word that means ..." Often the correct answer is, "There is no one word that conveys that meaning. You have to use more than one word." While of course it's convenient if there is one short, simple word that expresses an idea, I'd say, Don't be afraid to use multiple words. A single word is not always better. Sometimes there is a single word, but the word is rarely used so most of your readers won't know it and will have to guess what it means. (In theory they could look it up in a dictionary, but for most that would be way too much effort.) Or it could be difficult to pronounce or awkward for some other reason.

The only reason I can see to insist on a single word is if you are using it over and over again in a document. If you're going to say it once or twice, using several words should be no problem. If you're going to say it a hundred times and it takes ten words to express the idea, then yes, this can get verbose and repetitive. In that case, I'd say okay, use an obscure word, or invent a word, or attach a specific meaning to a word that ALMOST means what you want. Then explain it once and use it many times. Like, "In this users guide, when we say that a feature is 'available', we mean that it can be enabled from the User Options menu ..."

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