availability

American  

[uh-vey-luh-bil-i-tee] / əˌveɪ ləˈbɪl ɪ ti /

Rarely availableness

noun

1. the fact or quality of being close at hand and ready for use.

   Children learn about the importance of reading and writing through the availability of a wide variety of books.

2. the fact or quality of being readily obtainable.

   Prices are subject to availability of the product at the time of ordering.

3. freedom or willingness to do something.

   League members selected as reserve players shall confirm their availability by signing the list on the notice board.

4. the fact or condition of not being involved in a romantic or sexual relationship and therefore being potentially open to one.

   Overall, he says, a man is more attracted to a woman by the signs of her availability than by her physical appearance.

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Other Word Forms

• interavailability noun
• nonavailability noun
• unavailability noun
• unavailableness noun

Etymology

Origin of availability

avail(able) ( def. ) + -ability ( def. )

Explanation

Something with availability is easy to get or to access. If you work at an ice cream shop, the availability of ice cream might make it hard to stick to a diet. The noun availability indicates that something is easily obtainable and ready for use. If you are thinking about renting a certain apartment, you might want to ask about the availability of parking spaces in the neighborhood before you sign a lease. You can use availability and accessibility almost interchangeably, as with this sentence: "The accessibility of the Internet has increased the availability of information."

Example Sentences

Families are encouraged to contact the providers directly to confirm availability, hours, age requirements and enrollment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

When it comes to oil and gas, infrastructure damage has also limited the availability of products to transport.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

MacDonald says there are several key factors which hinder parents from restricting their children's screen time adequately, including limited time due to work commitments, as well as the cost and availability of local activities.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“GSK’s action does not affect the availability of generic leucovorin for patients with cerebral folate deficiency, or the labeling of leucovorin products,” an HHS spokesman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Father Mulligan’s death did not alter the text of the entries in Baby Kochamma’s diary, simply because as far as she was concerned it did not alter his availability.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

Related Words

• opportunity
• show
• time