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Synonyms

allowable

American  
[uh-lou-uh-buhl] / əˈlaʊ ə bəl /

adjective

  1. that may be allowed; legitimate; permissible.

    an allowable tax deduction.


noun

  1. something, as an action or amount, that is allowed.

  2. Ecology. allowable cut.

allowable British  
/ əˈlaʊəbəl /

adjective

  1. permissible; admissible

"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

Etymology

Origin of allowable

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Middle French word alouable. See allow, -able

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.

See Examples For:

In a statement to The Times on Wednesday, the company argued that it has followed all local requirements, but said it would comply with the judge’s order while continuing to operate during allowable hours.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 29, 2026

But developers found it more profitable to subsidize 100% of their units at the smallest allowable discount, a rent affordable to households at 60% of median income.

From Salon Jul. 4, 2026

It’s also better to steer clear of utilities in the Southeastern U.S., where regulators have been generous on allowable rate increases.

From MarketWatch Jun. 16, 2026

It also increased a building’s maximum allowable height.

From Barron's May 31, 2026

Of course, for such a thing to happen, there has to be a kind of acquiescence on the part of the victims, some submerged belief that this treatment is deserved, or at least allowable.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

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