ENGLISH
REFERENCE

imaginable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪˈmædʒənəbəɫ// UK //ɪmˈædʒɪnəbəl// imag·in·able

adj. possible to think of or picture in your mind. You use it to describe the widest range of things you can think of.

adj. capable of being conceived by the mind or imagined. Often used after a noun or a superlative to emphasize that every possibility is included.


SIMPLE

The shop sells every imaginable flavor of ice cream.

CONTEXTUAL

The rescue team faced every imaginable difficulty, from freezing temperatures to broken equipment, yet they never gave up.

COMPLEX

The architect utilized every imaginable resource to ensure the skyscraper could withstand the most severe seismic activity recorded in the region's history.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English ymaginable, from Latin imāginābilis; equivalent to imagine + -able.

Usage

Often functions as a postpositive adjective, appearing immediately after the noun it modifies (e.g., 'every way imaginable').

Pitfall

the most imaginable solutionthe most imaginative solutionLearners confuse 'imaginable' (possible to think of) with 'imaginative' (showing creativity or new ideas).

© 2026 English Reference