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
- considerably adverb
- unconsiderable adjective
- unconsiderably adverb
Etymology
Origin of considerable
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin consīderābilis, from consīderā(re) “to examine” ( 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.
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, wrote in a note that despite stocks rising, there is still some nervousness in the market because “there remains considerable uncertainty over a successful outcome from peace negotiations.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
They each took turns answering questions from reporters with considerable delays.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
“GIFT City has considerable ground to cover before it can outpace established global hubs,” comments Gayathri Parthasarathry, a financial services advisor at the firm.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
He lost 25 pounds and a considerable amount of strength due to the thin air.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
Suddenly we could see the world below and how high up we were, which was a considerable distance, though all the nearby summits were wreathed in clouds.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
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.
