English Reference
Adjective

identifiable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /aɪˈdɛntəˌfaɪəbəɫ/ UK /aɪdˈɛntɪfˌaɪəbəl/ iden·ti·fi·able

adj.easy to recognize or name because of specific features. You use this when you can tell exactly what or who something is.

adj.capable of being recognized or established as being a particular person or thing. Often used in contexts involving forensic evidence, branding, or visual patterns.


SIMPLE

The suspect was easily identifiable from the security footage.

CONTEXTUAL

The company uses a bright orange logo to ensure its products are identifiable from a distance.

COMPLEX

While the melody remains identifiable throughout the variations, the composer obscures the rhythm so thoroughly that the original theme feels like a distant memory.

Usage

Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'remain'. Frequently modified by adverbs of degree such as 'easily', 'clearly', or 'instantly'.

Pitfall
The problem is identifyable.The problem is identifiable.

Learners often incorrectly use 'y' instead of 'i' because the root verb is 'identify'.

Usage correct identifiable

Ministers apologised after it emerged that the company’s staff had access to identifiable patient data.

The Guardian· 7 Sept 2026

Look upwards and to the west and the red planet will be identifiable because of its colour.

The Guardian· 7 Sept 2026

From identify + -able.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated