This lesson will help you add 25 useful adjectives that end with the suffix -able. to your everyday vocabulary. However, before learning these adjectives, it's important to note the pronunciation of this suffix in order to say these 25 words correctly.
Many English learners incorrectly pronounce the suffix "able" the same way that you say "able" when you say "I am able to speak English". However, the suffix is pronounced differently. When you say "able" at the end of a word, it sounds more like "a bull". Some examples with their pronunciation are below:
understandable = "un-der-stan-da-bull" (describes something that can be understood by others)
memorable = "meh-mur-a-bull" (describes something special that will be remembered by others)
forgivable = "for-giv-a-bull" (describes something that others can forgive)
Here are 25 adjectives that end in "able" with their meaning and an example:
Advisable: describes something that is recommended as a good option
It's advisable to get travel insurance before traveling abroad in case of an accident.
Affordable: describes something that is inexpensive/reasonably priced
These souvenirs are very affordable. I can get five of them for $10.
Believable: describes something that can be believed by others
His story is very believable. I'm convinced that it really happened.
Comparable: similar in some way to something else
The camera on the Samsung Galaxy is comparable to the camera on the iPhone.
Desirable: describes something that is attractive and that others want to have
The lifestyle of celebrities is desirable for regular people who struggle to earn money.
Doable: describes something that can be done by others
I think this project is doable. We should accept it and get started as soon as possible.
Enjoyable: describes something pleasant/fun
Our trip to Japan was very enjoyable. I can't wait to go back!
Favorable: describes something that is to the advantage of others
I'll only go to the beach if the weather is favorable. If it's cloudy or rainy, I'll stay home.
Indispensable: absolutely necessary or essential
Effective communication skills are indispensable for successful leadership.
Inexplicable: describes something that doesn't have a clear explanation
His death is inexplicable. Nobody understands how he could've fallen out the window.
Inevitable: describes something certain that cannot be avoided
Old age is inevitable. It happens to everyone no matter what you do with your life.
Intolerable: describes something that other people can't tolerate or accept
His political views are intolerable to me so we don't talk anymore.
Lovable: describes something that is easy to love or admire
Disney animated movies often involve lovable characters.
Manageable: describes something that can be managed successfully
Visiting 10 European cities in two weeks will be tiring but it's manageable.
Noticeable: describes something that can be easily seen or noticed by others
Her frustration with her team was noticeable. You could see it on her face.
Obtainable: describes something that can be obtained or acquired easily
We want to make sure that we set goals for our employees that are obtainable.
Predictable: describes something that can be predicted or foreseen
The delay for our flight was predictable. There has been a terrible snowstorm all day.
Preferable: describes something that is preferred by someone
I can meet any day next week but Tuesday is preferrable.
Preventable: describes something that can be stopped or prevented (opposite of "inevitable")
Lung cancer is often preventable. People just need to quit smoking.
Profitable: describes something that can make money as profit
Her business is very profitable. She recently bought a Ferrari!
Reasonable: describes someone or something that is fair and has good sense
The best way to make a reasonable decision is to consider all the benefits and risks of each option.
Respectable: describes someone or something that is worthy of respect
The country needs a respectable leader that can gain the support of the citizens.
Sustainable: describes something that can be maintained or continued for a long time
Do you think these results are sustainable or are they going to be short-lived?
Unthinkable: describes something too unlikely or unpleasant to be imagined or considered
Covid was an unthinkable crisis for many governments, companies, and households.
Unavoidable: describes something that cannot be avoided (same as "inevitable")
Media attention is unavoidable for professional athletes. It's part of the job.
Practice
For each sentence below, replace the words in brackets ( ) with the most suitable adjective below:
indispensable / advisable / preventable / inevitable / doable / intolerable / predictable / preferable
Bad weather is (something that you can't avoid) so you need to have the right clothing for it.
The smell of garbage coming from across the hall was (something that I couldn't tolerate) so I complained to the building manager about it.
These days, a cellphone is (essential) for most people. They can't live without it.
I can meet you anywhere in the city but somewhere on the east side is (what I prefer).
Completing the project by the end of the month is (something that can be done) but it will require overtime work from everyone.
Cultural mistakes are (something that can be prevented) by learning about the culture of a country before visiting it.
Traffic congestion is often (something that can be predicted) based on past data and analysis.
Having the meeting online instead of at the office is (recommended) to save on costs.
Answers
Bad weather is inevitable so you need to have the right clothing for it.
The smell of garbage coming from across the hall was intolerable, so I complained to the building manager about it.
These days, a cellphone is indispensable for most people. They can't live without it.
I can meet you anywhere in the city but somewhere on the east side is preferable.
Completing the project by the end of the month is doable but it will require overtime work from everyone.
Cultural mistakes are preventable by learning about the culture of a country before visiting it.
Traffic congestion is often predictable based on past data and analysis.
Having the meeting online instead of at the office is advisable to save on costs.
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