desirable

[dih-zahyuhr-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. worth having or wanting; pleasing, excellent, or fine.

   a desirable apartment.

2. arousing desire or longing.

   a desirable man or woman.

3. advisable; recommendable.

   a desirable law.

noun

1. a person or thing that is desirable.

desirable

/ dɪˈzaɪərəbəl /

adjective

1. worthy of desire or recommendation

   a desirable residence

2. arousing desire, esp sexual desire; attractive

noun

1. a person or thing that is the object of desire

Other Word Forms

• desirability noun
• desirableness noun
• desirably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of desirable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French; equivalent to desire + -able

Example Sentences

Solis said they don’t believe that appointing attorneys without compensation would be “legal, ethical or even tenable or desirable.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It would also be cheaper living a little further from the beach because seafront properties are regarded as more desirable and, because of the aforementioned hurricanes, can also have high insurance premiums.

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They tend to be in less desirable locations than established neighborhoods, and big builders are exposed to first-time buyers who are struggling the most.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The consistent ability to deliver desirable short-term effects and long-term health benefits means that consumers are willing to pay out of their own pocket for the drugs at a scale not seen in other categories.

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Disney and other programmers say it is their content that makes YouTube TV desirable, and they should be paid accordingly.

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Related Words

• acceptable 
• beneficial 
• enviable 
• expedient 
• gratifying 
• helpful 
• preferable 
• profitable 
• useful 
• worthwhile