considerable
Americanadjective
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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
Derived 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.
"To maintain control across Bengal, Banerjee relied less on party institutions than on powerful local leaders who were given considerable autonomy in their own fiefdoms," says Bhattacharyya.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
Earlier this year, Honeywell said it planned to spin off its aerospace unit sooner than previously expected after Chief Executive Vimal Kapur said there was considerable progress on its portfolio optimization.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
If Raman can catch up and eventually surpass Pratt in the vote count, she could pose a considerable challenge to Bass as more young voters come to the polls in November.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
Sixteen wickets fell on a rain-shortened first day, with a further 17 in 79 overs on day two as batters struggled to deal with the variable bounce and considerable lateral movement off the pitch.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
“Well, on with it then,” he says, leaning back in his seat and regarding Celia with a considerable amount of interest.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
