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” ( 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.
He’s placing considerable influence in the defense industry space, alongside many others who understand how far behind we are in reforming our military’s procurement process.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
“There is considerable uncertainty about the extent and persistence of the conflict, the ongoing consequences for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the extent of infrastructure damage” in the Gulf states, he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
“Compared with earlier crises, there is still a considerable margin of safety,” the IMF report said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
Unlike the lower house of Congress, the 60-member-strong Senate cannot be dissolved by the president and is therefore expected to wield considerable political power.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
While we were recuperating, Dad spent considerable time with us, but minimized our discomforts, and kept telling us we were just looking for sympathy.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
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.
