-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.

indeterminable (adjective), more indeterminable, most indeterminable
Relating to a situation or an event that cannot be clearly defined, ascertained, or known: There are indeterminable economic conditions that are negatively affecting so many people around the world.
indeterminable, indeterminate
indeterminable (in" di TUR muh nuh buhl) (adjective)
Concerning something which is not able to be settled or decided on in a definite manner: The indeterminable date for completing the project is still obviously unknown.
indeterminate (in" di TUR muh nit) (adjective)
Inconclusive; referring to something which cannot be determined by a specific answer: The outcome of the chemistry experiment was indeterminate and puzzling.

The indeterminate response which the student received to his questions to the editor of the journal will create an indeterminable delay in the completion of his essay.

indisciplinable (adjective), more indisciplinable, most indisciplinable
Incapable of being controlled; not amenable to correction; intractable: No matter how much his parents tried, Sammy was an indisciplinable child.
indispensable (adjective), more indispensable, most indispensable
1. Completely necessary: Rick thought that potato chips were an indispensable part of his diet, but he learned after a while that he was wrong!

Most people think that a mobile phone is a totally indispensable part of their lives!
2. Impossible of being ignored or neglected: Jim and Joan had indispensable functions as parents towards their children to provide them with the best possible home.

indisputable (adjective), more indisputable, most indisputable
Impossible to doubt or to question; unquestionable; undeniable: The police had indisputable evidence which was beyond any doubt that he had robbed the bank.
indistinguishable (adjective), more indistinguishable, most indistinguishable
1. Incapable of being known or perceived; exactly alike: The two identical twins were indistinguishable to their new teacher in school!
2. Not disposed to being clearly discerned or recognisable: The photo showed a new car which was quite indistinguishable from the previous one which had been produced a couple of years before, except for a few small differences.
indivinable (adjective), more indivinable, most indivinable
Impossible of being conjectured or guessed: To prophesy or predict one's future is certainly indivinable because things just might turn out completely different!
indubitable (adjective), more indubitable, most indubitable
Worthy of truth; incapable of doubt: unquestionable: Milly's account of the accident was so vivid and realistic that it was indubitable that she was totally honest while recounting the details.
ineffable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Characterizing an incapability of expressing one's feelings in words: After Leticia recovered from her coma, she felt ineffable happiness when she saw her children again.
2. Relating to something that is so great that it can't be verbally communicated or described: When Caleb won the singing contest, he was overcome with ineffable joy and excitement.
Relating to being unable to express happiness in words.
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Descriptive of someone who can't show his or her joy.
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Referring to a person who describe his or her rage and anger.
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ineluctable (adjective), more ineluctable, most ineluctable
A reference to something which is incapable of being avoided or evaded; inescapable; certain, inevitable: Utilizing a proper diet and exercise has an ineluctable superiority over an excessive eating and a "couch-potato" existence.
Not to be resisted or changed.
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Bound to happen.
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inestimable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Impossible of being calculated or assessed: The landslide in the mountains caused inestimable damage to the village below.
2. Too precious to be comprehended or fully grasped: The treasure found at the bottom of the ocean was of inestimable and unfathomable value.
inevitable (adjective), more inevitable, most inevitable
1. Relating to that which is impossible to avoid or to prevent: Just about every trip people go on seems to have its inevitable delays and complications.
2. Pertaining to something that is bound to come or to happen: Some kind of illness is an inevitable aspect of life, and death is its inevitable conclusion.
3. Invariably occurring or appearing; predictable: When sightseeing in popular places, there are always numerous tourists who are equipped with inevitable cameras.
Relating to something that can't be avoided.
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inexcusable (adjective), more inexcusable, most inexcusable
Relating to that which does not have justification or reason: Tommy was punished for his inexcusable rudeness towards his mother and was sent to his room without dinner or ice cream for dessert!
inexhalable (adjective), more inexhalable, most inexhalable
Not capable of exhaling or breathing out: Jane was very sick and had problems with her respiration, and was inflicted with a very serious inexhalable disorder.

People are able to inhale oxygen and expel carbon dioxide from the lungs. Oxygen can only be drawn into the lungs and is therefore inexhalable.

inexorable (adjective), more inexorable, most inexorable
1. Descriptive of something that is impossible to stop or to prevent: When people get older, it is inexorable or inevitable that they will not have the same energy and capabilities as they did when they were younger.
2. A reference to a person who is adamant and pitiless; unyielding: Mildred was someone who was quite stubborn and inexorable, and not moved by anyone's attempts to plead or have her change her mind.
A reference to being unable to stop.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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