considerable
Americanadjective
-
rather large or great in size, distance, extent, etc..
It cost a considerable amount. We took a considerable length of time to decide.
-
worthy of respect, attention, etc.; important; distinguished.
a considerable person.
noun
adverb
adjective
-
large enough to reckon with
a considerable quantity
-
a lot of; much
he had considerable courage
-
worthy of respect
a considerable man in the scientific world
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of considerable
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin consīderābilis, from consīderā(re) “to examine” ( see consider) + -bilis -ble
Explanation
Use the adjective considerable to describe something that is large in amount. Things you probably spend a considerable amount of time on: homework and laundry. Things you'd rather spend time on: anything that isn't homework and laundry! The adjective considerable can describe something of importance and is worthy of notice or respect. If you are an excellent singer, dancer, musician, writer, or similar profession, people may ask you to donate your considerable talents to charitable causes. If you're not an excellent singer, dancer, musician, or writer, they will still ask you to donate, but they are more likely to ask for money!
Vocabulary lists containing considerable
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“However, markets are likely to view this with considerable skepticism, given the recent escalation and the repeated extensions of projected timelines for ending hostilities since the conflict began.”
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
But it stresses that is an average and there could be considerable variation, and that estimate will depend partly on the outlook for energy prices, which have a wide economic impact.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
This is noteworthy because this balanced portfolio has come in for considerable criticism over the past couple of years.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
His appreciation for comedy was considerable, which isn’t a surprise in light of Ozu’s own self-deprecating reflections on life.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
Even the Jesuits had allowed him considerable indulgence, such as permission to get up late in the morning, which became not so much a habit as a way of life for Descartes.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
