enviable
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does enviable mean? Enviable means very desirable. It’s especially used to describe things that a person has and that other people want—or a person that other people want to be like.In other words, enviable means worthy of or likely to cause envy—a feeling of desire for something that someone else has and you do not. Envy is also a verb meaning to have feelings of envy toward someone, and enviable is formed from this verb.Envy is not a good feeling—it can be described as a mix of admiration and discontent. Enviable is often used to describe things that are so good that other people will naturally want them (and might even get a little envious or jealous).The opposite of enviable is unenviable, which is typically used to describe tasks or positions that no one wants, as in He was given the unenviable task of making sure everyone paid on time. Example: It’s an enviable position, with a lot of perks, so naturally we have many applicants.
Other Word Forms
- enviableness noun
- enviably adverb
- nonenviable adjective
- nonenviableness noun
- nonenviably adverb
- unenviable adjective
- unenviably adverb
Etymology
Origin of enviable
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.
For many, when the Model S sedan began deliveries in 2012, it was just that—a vehicle that outperformed luxury cars and had enviable range.
Despite the glory of his singing and the enviable success of his award-lavished career, he made his life of enormous privilege seem like a tale of unremitting anguish and woe.
From Los Angeles Times
"The new ability to access Google's Willow processor, through open competition, puts UK researchers in an enviable position," said Prof Stevenson.
From BBC
Looking ahead, Coca-Cola remains a cash-rich business with unmatched brand power and enviable profitability, but it needs a clearer playbook for a world less enamored with sugary drinks.
From Barron's
“Companies, many of whom enjoy enviable market positions, are affordable now for competitors, private equity funds and other potential acquirors, including hostile bidders, even at significant premiums,” the 2020 Harvard forum observed.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
