-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.

irrefutable (adjective), more irrefutable, most irrefutable
1. Relating to an impossibility to prove that an opinion, an argument, or a decision is a mistake: The prosecutor, Mr. Biggs, told the jury at the trial that there was irrefutable evidence that the accused committed the crime as charged.
2. Pertaining to a lack of any proof or logical reason that something or someone is wrong in his or her concepts or behavior: There was irrefutable gossip that Henderson was engaged to Ms. Sue and to another woman, too.
Not capable of proving that something is incorrect or false.
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irremeable (adjective), more irremeable, most irremeable
Descriptive of something that is impossible to go through: Because of a terrorist attack, Sam's country declared an irremeable border so no one could enter or leave it unless permitted to do so by the government authorities.
irreparable (adjective), more irreparable, most irreparable
A reference to something which is too bad to be corrected or restored: Oil spills have been doing irreparable damage to coastal bays and beaches, especially with the killing of millions of fish in the waters.

The football coach did irreparable harm to his reputation and career when it was discovered that he had been depositing millions of dollars in Swiss banks in order to avoid paying taxes.

Impossible to fix, to repair, or to remedy.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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irreproachable (adjective) (not comparsble)
Not deserving to be criticised or reprimanded; free from guilt: Mary's conduct during the meeting as the head of the English department was totally irreproachable and faultless.

Tom's parents gave him irreproachable advice and counsel when they strongly recommended that he take his courses seriously at school.

irresolvable (adjective), more irresolvable, most irresolvable
Not capable of finding a solution for something: The irresolvable dilemma of having both of their daughters sharing the same room gave their parents headaches, so they decided to more to a bigger house.
irrevocable (adjective) (no comparatives)
1. Pertaining to something that is impossible to undo or to change: The President made an irrevocable statement about the economy that disturbed many people.
2. Relating to that which is unalterable and cannot be called back or be undone: No matter how Harry's fellow workers pleaded with him, his decision to quit his job was irrevocable.
irrevocableness (s) (noun) (no pl)
Referring to something which is impossible to retract or to take back: Charles's lawyer told him that once he signed the contract to rent the apartment, it included an irrevocableness that would not allow him to change his mind and to withdraw from the agreement.
irritable (adjective), more irritable, most irritable
1. Susceptible to being exasperated or cantankerous: When grandpa was very hungry he became very irritable and disagreeable.
2. Prone to being abnormally sensitive in body parts: Uncle Tom had irritable bowels and had twinges of pain during the night as well as during the day.
iterable (adjective) (not comparable)
1. Capable of being repeated: Jane's mother used to have one iterable word she said again and again when Jane was a toddler and that was "No!"
2. Disposed to be done again, or frequently: One iterable activity at home was to wash the dishes after every meal.

The accident of falling on ice was iterable, and it happened not only just once but a few times during the winter months!!

judicable (adjective), more judicable, most judicable
Liable to be judged, tried, or decided upon: The judicable dispute regarding the building of the house was taken to court where the final decisions were made.
justifiable (adjective), more justifiable, most justifiable
Capable of being valid, legitimate, or well-founded: The blind lady had justifiable reasons for wanting to have a guide-dog living with her.
knowledgeable (adjective), more knowledgeable, most knowledgeable
1. Thoroughly acquainted with and skilled in something through study or involvement: Despite Karla's very young age of 14, she is a knowledgeable player of the piano and the violin.
2. Possessing or showing a great deal of learning, awareness, or intelligence; perceptive and well-informed: The speaker presented a very interesting and more knowledgeable explanation of how most people can survive in these economic conditions.
lapsable, lapsible (adjective); more lapsable, more lapsible; most lapsable, most lapsible
1. Susceptible to a momentary fault or failure in behavior or morality: Meg's habit of brushing her teeth was quite lapsable at times and her dentist had to fill some cavities each time she went to see him.
2. Regarding a break in the continuity of something; Jim's attention in class turned out to be lapsable and he missed part of what his teacher was talking about.
3. A passage of time: Somehow there was a lapsable interval following the accident and Mary couldn't remember what had happened.
4. Liable to become null and void through disuse, negligence, or death: Chuck forgot that his membership was lapsible, and it expired at the end of the year.
laudable (adjective), more laudable, most laudable
1. Worthy of being praised; commendable; praiseworthy: The school children made laudable efforts to save the endangered birds.
2. Worthy of high praise: A laudable, creditable, and exemplary action is to help those who are poor and in need.
laudable, laudatory
laudable (LAW duh buhl) (adjective)
Describing something which merits praise and worthy comment: Alan's performance in the equestrian events was laudable and brought him the blue ribbon award.
laudatory (LAW duh tor" ee, LAW duh tohr" ee) (adjective)
Concerning something that expresses praise or commendation: Celeste's speech was overflowing with laudatory comments about her colleagues.

The laudable result of the students at the Junior Science Fair was reflected in the laudatory comments which the school principal made.