English Reference
Adjective

transferable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /tɹænsˈfɝəbəɫ/ UK /tɹænsfˈɜːɹəbəl/ trans·fer·able

adj.describing a skill or item that you can use in a different place or situation. For example, a skill you learn at one job might be useful at another.

adj.capable of being moved from one person, place, or situation to another. Often describes skills that are applicable across different professional sectors or legal rights that can be assigned to another party.


SIMPLE

Good communication is a transferable skill.

CONTEXTUAL

Many of the skills you develop while volunteering are transferable to a professional office environment.

COMPLEX

The contract specifies that the warranty is not transferable to a new owner if the vehicle is sold within the first twelve months of the agreement.

Usage

Often used to modify 'skills', 'credits', or 'rights'. Frequently follows the linking verb 'be'.

In a major five-year study, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) identified six key transferable skills that will count as much as qualifications in getting and keeping a job in the coming decade.

BBC News· 26 Aug 2026

From transfer + -able. Compare inferable, deferrable.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated