ENGLISH
REFERENCE

valuable

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈvæɫjəbəɫ// UK //vˈæljuːəbəl// valu·able General-service

n. small things you own that are worth a lot of money, like jewelry or expensive electronics. You usually keep these in a safe place when you travel.

n. personal possessions of significant monetary value, such as jewellery or portable electronics. Almost exclusively used in the plural form to refer to a collective group of items.


SIMPLE

Please keep your valuables in the hotel safe.

CONTEXTUAL

The sign at the gym entrance warns members that the management is not responsible for any lost or stolen valuables.

COMPLEX

While the insurance policy covers the structure of the home, high-value items like heirlooms and other valuables require a separate rider to ensure full replacement cost.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From value + -able.

Usage

Typically used in the plural form ('valuables'); the singular form is rare and usually functions as an adjective.

Pitfall

I lost my valuable in the park.I lost my valuables in the park.When referring to expensive possessions, the word is almost always plural.

© 2026 English Reference