electable

[ih-lek-tuh-buhl]

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of electable¹

First recorded in 1875–80; elect + -able

Example Sentences

Despite lingering tensions, the three men continued to work together and were the key architects of New Labour, the rebranding aimed at making the party electable.

From BBC

There are two inalienable truths in politics that bear repeating: governing is difficult and assembling an electable opposition is difficult.

From BBC

It was John Smith who kick-started Labour's slow return to power, overturning many of the party's most cherished principles in a drive to make it electable again.

From BBC

Even though the consequences of defeat will be dire, though, the 1896 and 1932 contests also provide Democrats with a path for rebuilding their party in a manner that is both liberal and electable.

From Salon

Her choice is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom she considers the most electable of the alternatives, giving him a 30% chance of winning the White House.

From Los Angeles Times