solvable

American  

[sol-vuh-buhl] / ˈsɒl və bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being solved, as a problem.

2. Mathematics. (of a group) having a normal series of subgroups in which successive quotient groups are Abelian.

3. Archaic. soluble.

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solvable British  

/ ˈsɒlvəbəl /

adjective

1. another word for soluble

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Other Word Forms

• nonsolvability noun
• nonsolvable adjective
• nonsolvableness noun
• solvability noun
• solvableness noun
• unsolvable adjective
• unsolvableness noun
• unsolvably adverb

Etymology

Origin of solvable

First recorded in 1640–50; solve + -able

Example Sentences

These barriers are all solvable with policies and programs that help support immigrants and refugees in re-entering the workforce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

But he mostly appeared frustrated at the lack of progress in ending a conflict which he once seemed to believe could be easily solvable.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2025

If Holmes’ constant appeal is an easily solvable case, then countenancing the possibility that there may be much more to his life than what Doyle shared isn’t impossible either.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

Among the positive outcomes of the research, gamers reported viewing work as solvable puzzles, and their experience resulted in improved patience in encountering problems and encouraged them to persevere in solving them.

From Science Daily • Nov. 18, 2024

This number plays the role of “practical infinity” for computer problems which are solvable but only theoretically.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos