Word
admirable
Phoneticsad·mirable
US/ˈædmɝəbəɫ/
UK/ˈædməɹəbəl/
Definition
adj. deserving of respect and approval because of good qualities or hard work.
adj. deserving of high esteem or admiration; characterized by qualities that elicit social or moral approval.
Examples
“Her hard work is truly admirable.”
“The team showed admirable courage during the storm.”
“Despite the overwhelming odds, their persistence remained admirable and inspired the entire community.”
Examples
simple
“Her hard work is truly admirable.”
contextual
“The team showed admirable courage during the storm.”
complex
“Despite the overwhelming odds, their persistence remained admirable and inspired the entire community.”
Usage
Often used to describe character traits, efforts, or specific achievements.
Teaching tip
While 'wonderful' or 'great' are general, 'admirable' specifically implies that the person deserves respect for their choices or hard work.
Real-World Examples
“More admirable honesty is offered up when Guardiola’s 10 changes for that November 2025 defeat to Leverkusen are criticised.” “Her energy as a researcher is indefatigable, and admirable.” Etymology
From Middle English admyrable, partly from Middle French admirable and partly from its etymon, Latin admirābilis. By surface analysis, admire + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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