applicable

American  

[ap-li-kuh-buhl, uh-plik-uh-] / ˈæp lɪ kə bəl, əˈplɪk ə- /

adjective

1. applying or capable of being applied; usable.

   an applicable rule;

   a solution that is applicable to the problem.

2. appropriate or relevant; apropos; pertinent.

   Synonyms:

   suitable, meet, proper, fitting, fit, befitting, apt, appropriate, relevant, relative, material, germane, apposite

---

applicable British  

/ əˈplɪkə-, ˈæplɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting

---

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

Explanation

If something's applicable, it matters in a certain case: it's relevant. If we're going to have rules, shouldn't they be applicable to everyone? Is the idea that there's only one correct way to pronounce a word applicable when it comes to applicable? There's some disagreement about this among the experts, but you'll hear people pronounce applicable two ways: with emphasis on “app” or with emphasis on “plic.” So take your pick and use this word confidently wherever it's applicable.

Example Sentences

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

Although these exercises were developed for children with special needs, they are highly applicable in developing crucial musical listening skills and for helping children recognize categories of music, instruments, and timbre of sounds.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• germane
• pertinent
• relevant
• suitable
• suited
• useful