Adjectives with the Suffix -ABLE (Meaning, Rules & Examples)

Adjectives with the suffix -able are extremely common in English. In this guide, you will learn the meaning of the -able suffix, spelling rules, differences between -able and -ible, and useful examples for exams like B2 First and C1 Advanced.

When we add -able to a verb, we usually create an adjective meaning:

“capable of being…”

“able to be…”

For example:

read → readable (able to be read)

wash → washable (able to be washed)

predict → predictable (able to be predicted)

Understanding adjectives with -able will help you:

• Expand your vocabulary
• Improve your writing
• Sound more natural in exams like B2 First and C1 Advanced

Let’s look at how it works.

What Does the Suffix -ABLE Mean?

In most cases, -able means:

• Capable of being
• Suitable for
• Worthy of

Examples:

• drinkable water (safe to drink)
• manageable problem (possible to manage)
• reliable friend (someone you can rely on)

Common Adjectives with -ABLE

Capable

Meaning: having the ability to do something.

Sara is capable of typing very fast.

They are not capable of taking care of themselves.

Affordable

Meaning: reasonably priced; not too expensive.

These holiday packages are affordable.

We’re looking for affordable housing in the city centre.

Approachable

Meaning: friendly and easy to talk to.

Despite being famous, she is very approachable.

(Important: when referring to places, “accessible” is often better than “approachable.”)

Available

Meaning: ready for use or purchase.

Tickets are available online.

The doctor is not available this afternoon.

Predictable

Meaning: easy to guess or expect.

The ending was completely predictable.

Edible

Meaning: safe to eat.

Some wild mushrooms are not edible.

Noticeable

Meaning: easy to see or recognise.

There was a noticeable improvement in his pronunciation.

Recognisable (BrE) / Recognizable (AmE)

Meaning: easy to identify.

Her voice is instantly recognisable.

Valuable

Meaning: worth a lot of money or useful.

She gave me valuable advice.

Considerable

Meaning: large or significant.

It took a considerable amount of time.

(Note: “Ryan was a considerable man” sounds unnatural — better: “Ryan was a significant figure in the music world.”)

Spelling Rules for -ABLE

Here’s where learners often struggle.

If the verb ends in -e → drop the “e”

love → lovable

manage → manageable

If the verb ends in a consonant + y → change y to i

rely → reliable

Some adjectives end in -IBLE instead of -ABLE

possible

visible

responsible

There is no simple rule here — many -ible forms come from Latin roots. These usually must be memorised.

-ABLE vs -IBLE

Both suffixes create adjectives meaning “capable of”.

But:

• -able is much more common.
• -ible is usually used with words of Latin origin.

Examples:

possible

responsible

visible

If unsure, check a dictionary — even advanced learners confuse these.

Common Mistakes

❌ affordible

✔ affordable

❌ recognisable (AmE spelling issue)

✔ recognizable (American English)

❌ He is considerable.

✔ He is a significant person.

Remember: not every adjective ending in -able has the same meaning pattern.

Why -ABLE Adjectives Matter in Exams

Adjectives with -able frequently appear in:

• Reading texts
• Use of English word formation tasks
• Essays and reviews

Example transformation:

comfort → comfortable

predict → predictable

rely → reliable

Understanding adjectives with the suffix -able is especially important in word formation tasks in B2 First and C1 Advanced exams.

Final Thoughts

The suffix -able is simple in structure but powerful in use.

Once you understand how it works, you’ll notice these adjectives everywhere — in academic writing, news articles, and everyday conversation.

And that’s when vocabulary truly becomes yours.

FAQ – Adjectives with the Suffix -able

What does the suffix -able mean?
The suffix -able usually means “capable of being” or “suitable for”.

What is the difference between -able and -ible?
Both form adjectives meaning “capable of”, but -able is more common. Many -ible words come from Latin roots and must be memorised.

Are adjectives with -able common in Cambridge exams?
Yes. They frequently appear in word formation tasks in B2 First and C1 Advanced exams.

Related posts:

Adjective Suffixes in English

Adjectives Ending in -ED and -ING

Adverbs in English

50 Noun Collocations

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