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.
“Compared with earlier crises, there is still a considerable margin of safety,” the IMF report said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
“But the considerable progress that we expect to make in this year, 2026, should fill us all with heightened confidence as to our future.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
"The committee would visit the patient's bedside to put that member under considerable pressure to abstain from blood in all cases," Evans said.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
China will be watching all this with considerable frustration.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
There is a considerable crowd outside when Herr Thiessen finally reaches the gates, and despite the crowd, he would have spotted his clock instantly, even without having been informed of its placement.
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.
