considerable
Americanadjective
-
rather large or great in size, distance, extent, etc..
It cost a considerable amount. We took a considerable length of time to decide.
-
worthy of respect, attention, etc.; important; distinguished.
a considerable person.
noun
adverb
adjective
-
large enough to reckon with
a considerable quantity
-
a lot of; much
he had considerable courage
-
worthy of respect
a considerable man in the scientific world
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of considerable
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin consīderābilis, from consīderā(re) “to examine” ( see consider) + -bilis -ble
Explanation
Use the adjective considerable to describe something that is large in amount. Things you probably spend a considerable amount of time on: homework and laundry. Things you'd rather spend time on: anything that isn't homework and laundry! The adjective considerable can describe something of importance and is worthy of notice or respect. If you are an excellent singer, dancer, musician, writer, or similar profession, people may ask you to donate your considerable talents to charitable causes. If you're not an excellent singer, dancer, musician, or writer, they will still ask you to donate, but they are more likely to ask for money!
Vocabulary lists containing considerable
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
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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.
However, the Scottish government has not adopted the English system of regional mayors, who have considerable powers in their areas.
From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026
“The shift towards fixed-fee and value-based billing has put considerable pressure on consultancies to produce more output,” said GPTZero CEO Edward Tian.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
“Our customers are recognizing that supply shortages in memory and storage will take considerable time to improve,” Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said during the company’s earnings call on Wednesday.
From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026
However, that will likely take some time, especially as SpaceX’s stock is expected to demonstrate considerable volatility for weeks to come as insiders exit lockup periods and become able to sell their shares.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 25, 2026
There was a considerable pause, and then he said slowly:—
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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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.