likable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- likability noun
- likableness noun
- likeability noun
- likeableness noun
- unlikable adjective
- unlikableness noun
- unlikably adverb
- unlikeable adjective
- unlikeableness noun
- unlikeably adverb
Etymology
Origin of likable
Explanation
A likable person is agreeable and friendly. It's very easy to be fond of someone who's likable. Every student wants to take a class with the most likable teacher in your school, and your likable acquaintances find it easy to make friends. In books and movies, the characters who are the most sympathetic (and who we tend to root for) are the likable ones. You can spell this adjective with or without an e: likable and likeable are both correct.
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.
Sam is hapless and downwardly mobile, yet he’s as likable as a shy puppy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
The director says he initially used wide lenses, which highlighted that Joe was "distracted, he's not a likable person".
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
Mr. Sottile’s Johnny exudes a warm bonhomie, embracing Linda and Ned’s smoldering rebelliousness, but also showing sincere affection for Julia, whom Ms. Griggs makes likable despite her overweening ambition.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026
Season 3 launched former “Vanderpump Rules” star Tom Sandoval in the mix, and while he entered in disgrace, he exited as slightly more likable.
From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026
“What’s not to like? We’re very likable people.”
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
