# passable

/ˈpæsəbəɫ/ (US) · /pˈɑːsəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/passable
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

good enough to be accepted, even if it is not perfect. You use this to describe something that meets a basic standard.

For teachers: satisfactory or adequate for a specific purpose, though not necessarily excellent. Often used to describe performance, quality, or appearance that meets a minimum threshold.

## Examples

- The student's essay was passable, but it lacked depth.
- The temporary bridge was only passable for small cars until the new one was finished next month.
- While the translation was technically accurate, the prose felt passable at best, failing to capture the lyrical quality of the original text.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.