Word
inflatable
Phoneticsin·flat·able
US/ɪnˈfɫeɪtəbəɫ/
UK/ɪnflˈeɪtəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that you can fill with air to make it larger and firm. You use this for things like balloons, lifeboats, or mattresses.
adj. designed to be filled with air or gas before use to achieve a specific shape or volume. Often used attributively to describe equipment that is portable when deflated.
Examples
“We brought an inflatable mattress for our camping trip.”
“The safety regulations require every small vessel to carry an inflatable life raft in case of emergencies.”
“The expedition relied on inflatable boats because they could be easily transported across the rugged terrain between the various river systems.”
Examples
simple
“We brought an inflatable mattress for our camping trip.”
contextual
“The safety regulations require every small vessel to carry an inflatable life raft in case of emergencies.”
complex
“The expedition relied on inflatable boats because they could be easily transported across the rugged terrain between the various river systems.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used in technical or recreational contexts.
Etymology
From inflate + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/inflatable