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
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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.
No recording at all exists of L.A.’s, although Subotnick’s inventive uses of electronic music with a standard symphony orchestra went on to have considerable influence.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
However, the Scottish government has not adopted the English system of regional mayors, who have considerable powers in their areas.
From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026
Although some of the bull market’s biggest winners came under considerable pressure, the U.S. equity market was holding up pretty well by another measure.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 27, 2026
“The shift towards fixed-fee and value-based billing has put considerable pressure on consultancies to produce more output,” said GPTZero CEO Edward Tian.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
“It is a rash and crude hypothesis,” Darwin confessed, “but it has been a considerable relief to my mind.”
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
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.
