electable

American  

[ih-lek-tuh-buhl] / ɪˈlɛk tə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of, or having a reasonable chance of, being elected, as to public office.

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Other Word Forms

• electability
  noun
• reelectability
  noun
• reelectable
  adjective
• unelectable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of electable

First recorded in 1875–80; elect + -able

Explanation

If a political candidate has the qualities that she needs to be voted into office, she's described as electable. Every four years, the Republican and Democratic parties nominate an electable presidential candidate, someone they believe has a chance of actually being elected. If you're running for student body president at school, being involved in clubs and activities and giving inspiring speeches will make you an electable contender. In the 18th century, electable was defined as "qualified to be a candidate," but by the 1960s it meant "capable of getting enough votes to win an election."