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
-
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.
The plans for the next F1 engine, due in either 2030 or 2031, are still being formalised, and there is considerable debate about them.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
Researchers have devoted considerable attention to the plasma's intense swirling motion and powerful electromagnetic fields.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 3, 2026
They show considerable overlap between the protected nature areas in Spain and France and the wildfires.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
The Gwangju fab is a "long-term project that will take considerable time to materialise," said analyst Joo.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
“As I said, we normally focus more on the working conditions of lower-class women in factory settings, where their daily duties put them at risk of considerable harm,” Tess continues.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
