-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.
unitable (adjective), more unitable, most unitable
Inclined to being joined together, combined, or integrated: Forgiveness and generosity are two unitable values that can promote friendship among individuals.
unmarketable (adjective), more unmarketable, most unmarketable
Referring to something which is not suitable or fit for sale: All the flowers in the shop were either dying or totally wilted, and so they were unmarketable and couldn't be purchased by the customers.
unmitigable (adjective), more unmitigable, most unmitigable
Incapable of being assuaged or made less severe: Mark scolded his child with stern and unmitigable accusations of doing wrong things.
unmovable (adjective), more unmovable, most unmovable
1. Unable to being transported or carried: The heavy table in the attic was unmovable and could not possibly be conveyed down the steps.
2. Not inclined to be emotionally persuaded or prevailed upon: Mrs. Thompson was unmovable in her opinion that her little children had to go to bed at 8 o'clock at the latest.
2. Not inclined to be emotionally persuaded or prevailed upon: Mrs. Thompson was unmovable in her opinion that her little children had to go to bed at 8 o'clock at the latest.
unpalliable (adjective), more unpalliable, most unpalliable
Incapable of being mitigated or made easier: Mr. and Mrs. Johnson's financial situation seemed to be unpalliable due to both of them losing their jobs and not being able to pay their rent!
unpayable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Not eligible for receiving wages: They served in an unpayable volunteer fire department.
2. Engaged in a pastime and so not to acquire a salary: An amateur painter likes to paint as a hobby, which is an unplayable activity.
3. Incapable of getting money back: The bill was unpayable because the owner couldn't find the girl who had bought the dress.
2. Engaged in a pastime and so not to acquire a salary: An amateur painter likes to paint as a hobby, which is an unplayable activity.
3. Incapable of getting money back: The bill was unpayable because the owner couldn't find the girl who had bought the dress.
unpotable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Not suitable for drinking: The old coffee is unpotable because it was made last week and won't be tasty anymore!
2. Not safe for, or not fit for, drinking: The water from the stream is unpotable and because it can contain unhealthy germs.
2. Not safe for, or not fit for, drinking: The water from the stream is unpotable and because it can contain unhealthy germs.
unpredictable (adjective), more unpredictable, most unpredictable
A reference to anything that is impossible to prepare for in advance or to know before it happens: Examples of things that are too difficult to foretell or to foresee include unpredictable test results, unpredictable weather, or unpredictable behavior.
unprofitable (adjective), more unprofitable, most unprofitable
1. Affording no financial gain in a business or activity: Jack's parents thought that the idea he had of starting a small taco shop would be unprofitable in the little village they lived in.
2. Not possible of serving a useful purpose: The conversation Mr. Smith had with his colleague was totally unprofitable and didn't help him along with his project.
2. Not possible of serving a useful purpose: The conversation Mr. Smith had with his colleague was totally unprofitable and didn't help him along with his project.
unquestionable (adjective), more unquestionable, most unquestionable
Regarding that which is beyond doubt and cannot be legitimately challenged: Harriet's unquestionable integrity was always respected by her peers at the company where she worked.
unrealizable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Impossible to achieve or attain: Without proper education, a good job in a bank is unrealizable.
2. Incapable of being sensed or understood; unthinkable: It was unrealizable for Mrs. Hathaway to imagine her daughter leaving home the next day to live abroad so many thousands of miles away!
2. Incapable of being sensed or understood; unthinkable: It was unrealizable for Mrs. Hathaway to imagine her daughter leaving home the next day to live abroad so many thousands of miles away!
unreasonable (adjective), more unreasonable, most unreasonable
1. Unable to act according to good judgment; irrational: It seems to be a very unreasonable idea to have a picnic in the rain and get completely wet!
2. Beyond moderation: The payment Tom got was much too little for the very hard labor he had to do, so it was totally unreasonable and he complained to his boss.
2. Beyond moderation: The payment Tom got was much too little for the very hard labor he had to do, so it was totally unreasonable and he complained to his boss.
unreclaimable (adjective), more unreclaimable, most unreclaimable
1. Descriptive of or characteristic of that which cannot be salvaged: The unreclaimable agricultural land was designated by the city as the location of the new city garbage dump.
2. Relating to something that is not possible to use again in the same way: The glass bottles in the refuse or junk area are unreclaimable materials because they are broken into little pieces and mixed with too many other disposable pieces of trash.
2. Relating to something that is not possible to use again in the same way: The glass bottles in the refuse or junk area are unreclaimable materials because they are broken into little pieces and mixed with too many other disposable pieces of trash.
unreliable (adjective), more unreliable, most unreliable
1. Lacking a sense of responsibility; irresponsible: Because of his unreliable and idiotic behavior, James caused his sister to have a broken arm.
2. Not worthy of reliance or trust; inconsistent: The very old washing machine was getting more and more unreliable and the clothes rarely came out clean!
3. Dangerously precarious and unpredictable: The narrow winding road up the side of the mountain was very unreliable and treacherous because of the many potholes and rocks along the way.
4. Not able to be trusted; dishonest: The article in the newspaper was unreliable because the information did not use sound and dependable sources.
5. Liable to be erroneous or misleading: undependable: The statement that Audrey made was unreliable, confusing, and delusive.
2. Not worthy of reliance or trust; inconsistent: The very old washing machine was getting more and more unreliable and the clothes rarely came out clean!
3. Dangerously precarious and unpredictable: The narrow winding road up the side of the mountain was very unreliable and treacherous because of the many potholes and rocks along the way.
4. Not able to be trusted; dishonest: The article in the newspaper was unreliable because the information did not use sound and dependable sources.
5. Liable to be erroneous or misleading: undependable: The statement that Audrey made was unreliable, confusing, and delusive.
unseasonable (adjective), more unseasonable, most unseasonable
A reference to not being agreeable or consistent with the time of the year: The clothes Stella had on were quite unseasonable and not fit for the very cold and freezing temperature outside.
