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.
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worthy of respect, attention, etc.; important; distinguished.
a considerable person.
noun
adverb
adjective
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large enough to reckon with
a considerable quantity
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a lot of; much
he had considerable courage
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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.
“Shaping Sounds” offers considerable technical information about microphones, recording equipment and studio layout—a valuable document from the era of analog recording.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
The damage caused to Gulf economies by the Iran war is considerable and many have urgent funding requirements for rebuilding and reinvestment.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 25, 2026
After considerable reporting, she crowned the famous cranberry-walnut loaf at Le Diplomate.
From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026
The accord was set to be physically signed in Switzerland on Friday, but it will likely take considerable time for trade flows to return to pre-conflict levels.
From Barron's • Jun. 16, 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.
