estimable

American  

[es-tuh-muh-buhl] / ˈɛs tə mə bəl /

adjective

1. worthy of esteem; deserving respect or admiration.

   What an estimable young woman; a renowned neurosurgeon at 26.

   Synonyms:

   good, excellent, meritorious, laudable, admirable, respectable, reputable

   Antonyms:

   contemptible

2. capable of being estimated.

   The cost to society of drug addiction is hardly estimable.

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estimable British  

/ ˈɛstɪməbəl /

adjective

1. worthy of respect; deserving of admiration

   my estimable companion

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Other Word Forms

• estimableness noun
• estimably adverb
• nonestimable adjective
• nonestimableness noun
• nonestimably adverb
• unestimable adjective

Etymology

Origin of estimable

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin aestimābilis, equivalent to aestim(āre) “to value, price, set the monetary value of” + -ābilis, an adjective suffix; see origin at esteem, -able

Explanation

Something or someone estimable is worthy of respect and admiration. Many U.S. presidents might be described as estimable, though it depends on who you ask. This is a word for people who deserve respect. A hardworking scholar who has written several books might be estimable. Things can be estimable, too. You might describe an impressive book, restaurant, or film as estimable. Estimable is related to esteem, which can be used to mean “regard highly.” Being estimable is the opposite of being disgraceful.

Example Sentences

The estimable Fred Kagan of the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute says the “optimal end game” for the U.S. now is to prove it can reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The book is ostensibly “authored” by McCartney even though it is an oral history that has been edited by Ted Widmer, an estimable historian and a former speechwriter for Bill Clinton.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

I was hoping Joe would feel some similarly competitive outrage toward the rolling trapezoid, deficient in Americana, ignorant of history, nothing like the estimable Hummer.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025

As opposed to covering a single legacy artist, this year’s all-star Seattle crew — featuring Ben Gibbard, Jessica Dobson of Deep Sea Diver, Shaina Shepherd and more — pays tribute to Sub Pop’s estimable catalog.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2023

Jo saw and understood the look, and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea, muttering to herself as she slammed the door, “I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Related Words

• esteemed
• praiseworthy