recoverable

American  

[ri-kuhv-er-uh-buhl] / rɪˈkʌv ər ə bəl /

adjective

1. able to recover or be recovered.

   a patient now believed to be recoverable; recoverable losses on his investments.

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Other Word Forms

• nonrecoverable adjective
• recoverability noun
• recoverableness noun
• unrecoverable adjective

Etymology

Origin of recoverable

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; recover, -able

Explanation

If something is recoverable, you can get it back. If you drop your eyeglasses over the side of the boat, but the water is crystal clear and somebody is willing to dive for them, they may be recoverable. Economists use the term “recoverable resources” to refer to oil, gas, and coal that can be extracted from the earth economically. If you've just insulated the walls of your house and replaced the old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones, some of your costs may be recoverable through savings on your heating bills and tax refunds for energy efficiency. If you delete something by mistake on your computer, you'll be very relieved if you find it's recoverable.

Example Sentences

Parts of the embassy were damaged and not recoverable, one person briefed on the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The Norwegian energy major said Monday that according to preliminary estimates the discovery holds between 25 million and 89 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

“Any fines and penalties incurred in connection with the Eaton Fire will not be recoverable from insurance, from the Wildfire Fund, or through electric rates.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

So far in the 2024-25 financial year, they have identified 13 cases of polygamous working, which has saved £113,000 in recoverable savings.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

The land mass of Texas is rich in recoverable spoil.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck