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.
“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 foreign ministry said he was held "due to violations of Afghanistan's applicable laws", without elaborating.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
The researchers believe this inhibitor could represent a broadly applicable strategy for slowing or stopping neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.
From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026
Only time could prove the Foretelling right or wrong, unless it was, as I expected, one of those admirable professional prophecies applicable to any outcome.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
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.
