ENGLISH
REFERENCE

applicable

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈæpɫəkəbəɫ// UK //ɐplˈɪkəbəl// ap·pli·ca·ble

adj. relevant or useful for a particular situation. You use this to say that a rule, law, or idea fits the specific thing you are talking about.

adj. relevant or appropriate to a specific situation or person. Often used in legal, administrative, or technical contexts to indicate that a provision or rule has a valid connection to the case at hand.


SIMPLE

This rule is only applicable to new employees.

CONTEXTUAL

Please fill out the entire form and write 'N/A' in any sections that are not applicable to you.

COMPLEX

The court must first determine whether the local statutes are applicable to a maritime dispute occurring outside of territorial waters before proceeding with the trial.

Origin

From Old French applicable, from Medieval Latin applicabilis.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'to'. Often used in the negative form 'not applicable' or abbreviated as 'N/A' on official documents.

Pitfall

This law is applicable for everyone.This law is applicable to everyone.The adjective 'applicable' typically takes the preposition 'to' rather than 'for' when indicating the target group or situation.

© 2026 English Reference