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laudable

American  
[law-duh-buhl] / ˈlɔ də bəl /

adjective

  1. deserving praise; praiseworthy; commendable.

    Reorganizing the files was a laudable idea.

  2. Medicine/Medical Obsolete. healthy; wholesome; not noxious.


laudable British  
/ ˈlɔːdəbəl /

adjective

  1. deserving or worthy of praise; admirable; commendable

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of laudable

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word laudābilis. See laud, -able

Explanation

Use the word laudable to describe something that deserves praise or admiration, like your laudable efforts to start a recycling program at your school. When you break apart the word laudable, you can see the verb laud, meaning praise or acclaim, followed by the suffix -able, which is a tip-off that this word is an adjective. So laudable describes things that are worthy of praise, such as a laudable effort to end poverty, and it can also describe admirable ideas or beliefs, such as a laudable compassion for others.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing laudable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Laudable ideals, sure — but there’s more to the story.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 31, 2020

Laudable as this is, quite frankly it is simply too time-consuming for most people on the receiving end of pile-ons.

From The Guardian • Oct. 6, 2014

Laudable as it was, that sentiment assumed that technology would by itself save our underfunded schools and somehow balance our inequitable society.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2014

Laudable to the general public, it’s complicated both practically and politically.

From Time • Sep. 5, 2013

Laudable Examples on their side & ours will be productive of mutual Benefits.

From The Writings of Samuel Adams - Volume 4 by Cushing, Harry Alonzo

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