justifiable

American  

[juhs-tuh-fahy-uh-buhl, juhs-tuh-fahy-] / ˈdʒʌs təˌfaɪ ə bəl, ˌdʒʌs təˈfaɪ- /

adjective

1. capable of being justified; that can be shown to be or can be defended as being just, right, or warranted; defensible.

   justifiable homicide.

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justifiable British  

/ ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being justified; understandable

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Other Word Forms

• justifiability noun
• justifiableness noun
• justifiably adverb
• unjustifiable adjective
• unjustifiableness noun
• unjustifiably adverb

Etymology

Origin of justifiable

From Middle French, dating back to 1515–25; justify, -able

Example Sentences

The utter subservience of American pop culture to baby boomers over the past 50-odd years has engendered justifiable resentment among members of the subsequent alphabet generations.

From The Wall Street Journal

So, yes, there are inevitable and justifiable questions as to whether Hamilton's struggles to adapt have anything to do with age - he is 40, after all.

From BBC

Without a trade deal, downside risks persist, keeping growth below potential and giving the RBI a strong, justifiable case to use the policy space provided by record-low inflation, ANZ said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Isak's lack of impact prompted justifiable claims that even the much-maligned and now departed Darwin Nunez would have at least run around a bit in a bid to make things happen.

From BBC

Connor Grubb was found not guilty of murder and other charges, with a jury finding his actions that led to the death of Young were justifiable.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acceptable
• admissible
• allowable
• defensible
• lawful
• legitimate
• logical
• probable
• proper
• reasonable
• understandable
• valid