Word
arguable
Phoneticsar·guable
US/ˈɑɹɡjuəbəɫ/
UK/ˈɑːɡjuːəbəl/
Definition
adj. something people can disagree about because both sides have good reasons. You use it when something might be true, but it is not certain.
adj. open to reasoned disagreement; capable of being supported by argument or evidence. Often occurs in the frame 'it is arguable that' to present a claim as debatable rather than certain.
Examples
“It is arguable that coffee tastes better in the morning.”
“Lawyers say it is arguable that the contract still applies after the company changed its name.”
“Whether economic growth alone improves well-being remains arguable, since rising incomes often coincide with longer hours and weaker community ties.”
Examples
simple
“It is arguable that coffee tastes better in the morning.”
contextual
“Lawyers say it is arguable that the contract still applies after the company changed its name.”
complex
“Whether economic growth alone improves well-being remains arguable, since rising incomes often coincide with longer hours and weaker community ties.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “arguable” in context.
Verb
01. consider arguable
“Many experts consider his theory arguable rather than proven fact.”
verb + adj
02. find arguable
“I find the idea that money buys happiness quite arguable.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. clearly arguable
“It is clearly arguable whether the new law will actually reduce crime.”
adv + adj
04. highly arguable
“Whether homework improves learning is still highly arguable among teachers.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. arguable assumption
“It is an arguable assumption that all students learn in the same way.”
adj + noun
06. arguable case
“The lawyer presented an arguable case for reducing the prison sentence.”
adj + noun
07. arguable claim
“It is an arguable claim that tourism always benefits local communities.”
adj + noun
08. arguable point
“You make an arguable point, but I still disagree with your conclusion.”
adj + noun
09. an arguable point of view
“That is an arguable point of view, though many scientists would disagree.”
10. it is arguable that
“It is arguable that city life is more stressful than life in the countryside.”
11. it is arguable whether
“It is arguable whether the new policy will really help young people.”
12. make an arguable case
“The author makes an arguable case for working a four-day week.”
Usage
Typically used predicatively; common in the pattern 'it is arguable that' + clause.
Etymology
From argue + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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