English Reference
Adjective

readable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɹidəbəɫ/ UK /ɹˈiːdəbəl/ read·able

adj.easy or pleasant to read because the writing is clear or the story is interesting.

adj.characterised by a clear, engaging, or accessible style that facilitates easy consumption by a reader.


SIMPLE

The author's latest novel is very readable.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though the report covers a complex scientific topic, the author made it readable for a general audience.

COMPLEX

The biographer manages to turn a dense collection of historical archives into a highly readable narrative that captures the subject's personality without sacrificing academic rigour.

Usage

Often used to praise non-fiction that avoids overly technical jargon.

Pitfall
The handwriting is not readable.The handwriting is not legible.

Use 'legible' for the physical clarity of writing or print; use 'readable' for the quality and enjoyment of the prose style.

She carefully raises the scanner glass with a foot pedal each time she turns a page, then adjusts the cameras and ensures the page is readable.

Ars Technica· 12 Aug 2026

From read + -able.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated