Word
programmable
Phoneticspro·gram·mable
US/ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæməbəɫ/
UK/pɹˈəʊɡɹɐməbəl/
Definition
adj. describes a machine or device that you can give a set of instructions to so it works automatically.
adj. capable of being provided with a set of instructions or a sequence of operations to be performed automatically. Often used to describe electronic hardware or appliances.
Examples
“I bought a programmable coffee maker that starts every morning at seven.”
“The new thermostat is fully programmable, allowing us to set different temperatures for every hour of the day.”
“Modern manufacturing relies on programmable logic controllers to manage complex assembly lines with minimal human intervention, ensuring consistent output across thousands of units.”
Examples
simple
“I bought a programmable coffee maker that starts every morning at seven.”
contextual
“The new thermostat is fully programmable, allowing us to set different temperatures for every hour of the day.”
complex
“Modern manufacturing relies on programmable logic controllers to manage complex assembly lines with minimal human intervention, ensuring consistent output across thousands of units.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'is' or 'becomes'.
Real-World Examples
“A new class of programmable antibiotics known as asobiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections when classical antibiotics fail.” “The approach could help advance a new generation of programmable textiles.” Etymology
From program + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/programmable