Actionable

[Ron Hearn]

Probably about the same time "invite" became as noun, sending
"invitation" to the linguistic dustheap.


Ron Hearn
Documentation Specialist
MemberDirect(r) Product Development
phone: 604 730 6391
email: rhearn at memberdirect.ca 
website: memberdirect.ca
 

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+rhearn=cucbc.com at lists.techwr-l.com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+rhearn=cucbc.com at lists.techwr-l.com] On Behalf
Of Nancy Allison
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 3:09 PM
To: techwr-l at lists.techwr-l.com
Subject: Actionable

When did this word go from meaning "subject to or affording ground for
an action or suit at law" to "something that can be acted on"?

My 1981 Webster's Collegiate Dictionary provides only the first
definition.

It cracks me up when I find the term in the usual turgid official prose
in what is evidently intended to be the second sense. Example:

"The Executive Committee will follow clearly defined process that is
timely, cost-effective, and actionable."

Do I betray my advancing age? Very well then, so be it!

--Nancy



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