What does "availability" mean?

1. (being free to use or buy) the fact that something is ready to be used or can be bought. 2. (a person's schedule) the time when someone is free to talk to you or do a job.

How do you use "availability"?

Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the resource. Commonly used in professional correspondence regarding scheduling.

availability

US //əˌveɪɫəˈbɪɫəti// UK //ɐvˌeɪləbˈɪlɪti// avail·abil·i·ty

1 being free to use or buy (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the fact that something is ready to be used or can be bought.

the state of being obtainable or accessible for use or purchase.

Example

The manager apologized for the limited availability of fresh fruit during the winter.

Example

The widespread availability of high-speed internet has fundamentally transformed how rural communities access educational resources and government services.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the resource.
- accessibility
- existence
- shortage
- scarcity
2 a person's schedule (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the time when someone is free to talk to you or do a job.

the state of being free from other commitments and thus able to be met or consulted.

Example

Please let me know your availability for a short phone call next Tuesday.

Example

The consultant's limited availability meant that the project deadline had to be pushed back by several weeks.

Usage

Commonly used in professional correspondence regarding scheduling.

Teacher's tip

In business English, asking for someone's 'availability' is more formal and polite than asking 'when are you free?'
- free time
- schedule

Origin

From available + -ity; attested since the early 1800s.