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enabled

v. · adj.
US //ɛˈneɪbəɫd// UK //ɛnˈeɪbəld// en·abled
  1. 1 made possible (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have given someone the ability or opportunity to do something.

    the past tense or past participle of enable, meaning to have provided the means, authority, or opportunity to perform a task.

    Example

    The new scholarship enabled her to finish her university degree without working a second job.

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 activated or turned on (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    ready to be used or switched on, especially a feature on a computer or phone.

    describing a function or feature that has been activated or made operational within a digital system.

    Example

    Check your settings to make sure that location services are enabled on your phone.

    Example

    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'.
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  1. 3 compatible with a system (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    designed to work with a specific type of technology or system.

    modified or designed to be compatible with a specific mechanism, software environment, or hardware standard.

    Example

    You need a web-enabled device to access the online library from home.

    Example

    The factory upgraded to voice-enabled machinery to allow operators to keep their hands free for delicate assembly tasks.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is frequently found in compound adjectives like 'web-enabled', 'voice-enabled', or 'AI-enabled'.

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