-able

(Latin: a suffix; expressing capacity, fitness to do that which can be handled or managed, suitable skills to accomplish something; capable of being done, something which can be finished, etc.)

A suffix that forms adjectives. The suffix -ible has related meanings; expressing ability, capacity, fitness; capable of, fit for, able to be done, can be done, inclined to, tending to, given to.

This list is only a small sample of the thousands of -able words that exist in English.

negotiable (adjective), more negotiable, most negotiable
1. Referring to something that is not fixed but which can be established or changed with bargaining and compromises: James was trying to arrange a negotiable salary agreement based on his education and experience.
2. Capable of being traversed, dealt with, or accomplished: Pete had to drive on a difficult but negotiable road before he could reach his destination.
nonabsorbable suture (noun), non absorbable sutures (pl)
A surgical thread made from a material that cannot be taken into the body: Some nonabsorbable sutures such, as silk, silkworm gut, horsehair, certain synthetic materials, or even wire, can be used in operations.
noncollapsable, noncollapsible (adjective) (not comparable)
Incapable of being folded together into a more convenient and compact shape: Some balcony chairs made of metal are noncollapsible and cannot be flattened in order to store them in the corner of the basement.
nonconstruable (adjective), more nonconstruable, most nonconstruable
Unable to interpret or to understand what someone means: Jack stated, "I apologize if I've misinterpreted your statements, but they were just simply nonconstruable."
nonflammable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Pertaining to something difficult to burn or to ignite: It seemed that the moist sticks were nonflammable because they certainly were hard to kindle.
2. Concerning something that is not combustible or easily set on fire: The matches were very old and had been stored in the basement so they were nonflammable when Jane wanted to light the candle, so she got new ones from the store the next day.
non-refundable, nonrefundable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. A reference to being unable to get something exchanged or get any money back for a purchase: The clothes Joan bought were sold at a reduced price and were therefore nonrefundable.
2. Not permitted legally to be paid back: When Mr. Smith accidentally caused the car accident, he had to pay a nonrefundable compensation to the driver of the other car who had suffered an injury.
nonviable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Incapable of growing and developing independently: The little start-up company had financial problems and proved to be nonviable within a year.
2. Not capable of living, growing, and developing, as an embryo, seed, or plant: The nonviable eggs were separated from the ones which were going to hatch soon.
3. Not practicable or workable; not capable of succeeding: The job Jack had seemed to be nonviable, and was very disappointing, so he quit the next day!
notable (adjective), more notable, most notable
1. Worthy of attention or of being noticed: Mary, the movie star, was a fine lady with notable and remarkable beauty.
2. Capable of being perceptible: Jack and Sam spoke German with a notable English accent and were immediately observed to be foreigners in Frankfurt.
3. Denoting distinction or eminence: The notable group of citizens in the community got together once a week to discuss the current topics in politics.
noticeable (adjective), more noticeable, most noticeable
1. Descriptive of something that is easily seen or detected; observable: It has been noticeable that since gas prices have increased more people are using public transportation to get to work.
2. Susceptible of being significant or noteworthy: Grace noticed no noticeable difference in taste between organic vegetables and the non-organic ones sold at the local market.
numerable (adjective), more numerable, most numerable
Relating to something that can be added up: Dina received numerable assets from the inheritance that she received from her father.
objectionable (adjective), more objectionable, most objectionable
Referring to offensive speech, manners, etiquette, propriety, etc.; unacceptable: Mike's mother could not tolerate his objectionable behavior any more, so she sent him to his room.
observable (adjective), more observable, most observable
Able to be discerned or detected: The deer in the fields are observable from the hunter's high seat next to the edge of the forest.
obtainable (adjective), more obtainable, most obtainable
Possible to be procured or acquired; available: Thomas found out that his favorite cheese was obtainable at the new European cheese shop in town.
octosyllable (noun), octosyllables (pl)
A word or a line of verse containing eight linguistic units: The use of octosyllables appeared first in an Old French saint's legend in the 10th century.
operable (adjective), more operable, most operable
1. Regarding a situation in which the functionality is possible: After the fire in the building, there was only one operable machine left while all the others had been destroyed.

The salesman told Jim that the car radio would be operable even if the engine was turned off.
2. Pertaining to the possibility of putting something into practice: doable: After talking about the day's activities, Jill and Thomas figured out an operable plan of getting everything done without stress.
3. Relating to the treatment by a surgical procedure with a reasonable degree of safety and chance of success: Dr. Hathaway told Mrs. Green that the kind of cancer she had was operable and very simple to remove and that she shouldn't be frightened or worried at all.