applicable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- applicability noun
- applicableness noun
- applicably adverb
- nonapplicable adjective
- nonapplicableness noun
- unapplicable adjective
- unapplicableness noun
- unapplicably adverb
Etymology
Origin of applicable
First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin applic(āre) “to apply ” + -able, or from Middle French applicable, Medieval Latin applicābilis; replacing late Middle English appliable
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.
It introduces a gentler and widely applicable way to produce materials with highly ordered surfaces and precisely controlled chemistry.
From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026
“Secretary Hegseth and the Department of War remain unwavering in their commitment to the highest standards of ethics and strict adherence to all applicable laws and regulations,” he wrote.
From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026
The themes of the debasement trade, the store of value, central banks’ accumulation and the diversification of reserves in the aftermath of the freezing of Russian assets in 2022 are all still applicable, he said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
“The transaction complied fully with applicable law,” a Meta representative said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
It may have been applicable to Germany or England or Russia, but it did not seem appropriate for the country that I knew.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
