availability

Rarely a·vail·a·ble·ness

[uh-vey-luh-bil-i-tee]

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of availability¹

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

Example Sentences

It said surging drug production in South America, which often passes through the Caribbean on its way to the US and Europe, and the high availability of firearms, had "contributed to soaring homicide rates".

From BBC

Applications for the notice of funding availability, or NOFA, open Friday and close Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

"I am shocked at how blatant the sale of these drugs is on social media and the wide availability, particularly targeting platforms used by young people."

From BBC

Visits require a reservation, but the availability is OK … for now.

From Los Angeles Times

But parents say they are facing long waiting lists for places, with nurseries warning that staff shortages are limiting their availability.

From BBC

Related Words

• opportunity 
• show 
• time