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.
She added that it "would also provide a considerable boost to the combined efforts of the BFC and our public and commercial partners in marketing the region, and the wider UK."
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
Paramount is incurring considerable legal fees and deal-related costs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026
As halting and awkward as they may have been, early archival documentaries required considerable advances in cinematic technology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Their estimates suggest that using the new material could reduce the cost of structural materials by about 40 times, giving it considerable potential for industrial hydrogen production.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
It was three storeys high, of proportions not vast, though considerable: a gentleman’s manor-house, not a nobleman’s seat: battlements round the top gave it a picturesque look.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
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.
