testing times vs. testable times

[Foka]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #59 "Testing, Testing", question 6

These are indeed ......... times for the government as people are deciding whether to vote for them in the next election.

(a) tested
(b) tester
(c) testing
(d) testable

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #59 "Testing, Testing", answer 6

These are indeed testing times for the government as people are deciding whether to vote for them in the next election.

Correct answer: (c) testing
_________________________

Why not testable?

Foka

[Conchita]

If something is testable, it can be tested. Times are not normally tested, but they can be testing, which means 'difficult'.

[Kati Svaby]

Hello,

In this sentence is interesting that the time what is an uncountable noun why and when becomes countable and when we use it in plural.

/In Oxford advanced learner's dictionary I found this answer:/
1.period of time associated with certain events , people etc. so:
-in the times of Shakespeare or:
-in Shakespeare times
-in my time
-in ancient times
-in those times etc.

2.period of time associated with certain conditions,experiences etc.
-hard times
-historic times
-modern times
-sign of times
-in times of danger, in times of hardship
-the times are hard for unemployed etc.

Svaby Kati