Word
enabled
Phoneticsen·abled
US/ɛˈneɪbəɫd/
UK/ɛnˈeɪbəld/
Definitions
01made possible
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to have given someone the ability or opportunity to do something.
v. the past tense or past participle of enable, meaning to have provided the means, authority, or opportunity to perform a task.
“The new scholarship enabled her to finish her university degree without working a second job.”
“The legislative changes enabled the local council to invest directly in green energy projects that were previously restricted by federal law.”
Usage
Often followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive.
02activated or turned on
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
adj. ready to be used or switched on, especially a feature on a computer or phone.
adj. describing a function or feature that has been activated or made operational within a digital system.
“Check your settings to make sure that location services are enabled on your phone.”
“Once the administrator has enabled the multi-factor authentication protocol, all users will be prompted to verify their identity via a mobile app.”
Usage
Commonly used in passive constructions or as a predicative adjective after 'is' or 'are'.
Synonyms
03compatible with a system
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
adj. designed to work with a specific type of technology or system.
adj. modified or designed to be compatible with a specific mechanism, software environment, or hardware standard.
“You need a web-enabled device to access the online library from home.”
“The factory upgraded to voice-enabled machinery to allow operators to keep their hands free for delicate assembly tasks.”
Teaching tip
This sense is frequently found in compound adjectives like 'web-enabled', 'voice-enabled', or 'AI-enabled'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“At least some of this risk-taking has been enabled by government policy.” “Natural resources such as the Mesabi Iron Range have fueled Minnesota iron production for decades, enabled by the taconite process developed by Edward Wilson Davis at the University of Minnesota.” Domain
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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