-able
Possessing the skill
A suffix forming adjectives that mean capable of or suitable for the action of the root verb: washable, readable, lovable.
Things that are -able can have the action done to them.
The suffix also forms adjectives from nouns, suggesting possession of a quality: fashionable, reasonable.
Spelling alternates with -ible in words from Latin, with no reliable rule for which applies: visible, possible, edible.
New coinages almost always use -able.
Able to occur
- achievableAble to be accomplished
- doableAble to be accomplished
- attainableAble to be reached
- feasibleCapable of being done
manageable · accomplishable · reachable · obtainable · realizable · practicable · workable · viable
Inspiring warm feelings
- likableInspiring easy fondness
- adorableExtremely endearing
- agreeablePleasantly cooperative
- amiableGood-natured and likable
enjoyable · desirable · favorable · pleasurable · comfortable · admirable · honorable · respectable
Capable of shattering
- flammableProne to ignition
- perishableProne to decay
- washableAble to be cleaned
- stretchableCapable of being extended
bendable · foldable · moldable · malleable · changeable · movable · removable · erasable
Sanctioned by authority
- permissibleSanctioned by authority
- acceptableMeeting minimum standards
- admissibleAllowed to be considered
- sanctionableMeriting official punishment
approvable · authorized · legitimate · legal · lawful · warranted · justifiable · valid
Due for settlement
- taxableSubject to government levy
- billableAble to be invoiced
- chargeableSubject to payment
- assessableAble to be evaluated
actionable · enforceable · answerable · accountable · liable · punishable · blamable · culpable
possible
Able to occur
- achievableAble to be accomplished
- doableAble to be accomplished
- attainableAble to be reached
feasible · manageable · accomplishable · reachable · obtainable · realizable · practicable · workable · viable · executable
lovable
Inspiring warm feelings
amiable · enjoyable · desirable · favorable · pleasurable · comfortable · admirable · honorable · respectable · valuable
breakable
Capable of shattering
- flammableProne to ignition
- perishableProne to decay
- washableAble to be cleaned
stretchable · bendable · foldable · moldable · malleable · changeable · movable · removable · erasable · dissolvable
allowable
Sanctioned by authority
- permissibleSanctioned by authority
- acceptableMeeting minimum standards
- admissibleAllowed to be considered
sanctionable · approvable · authorized · legitimate · legal · lawful · warranted · justifiable · valid · proper
payable
Due for settlement
- taxableSubject to government levy
- billableAble to be invoiced
- chargeableSubject to payment
assessable · actionable · enforceable · answerable · accountable · liable · punishable · blamable · culpable · dutiable