measurable

1 of 2

adjective

mea·​sur·​able ˈme-zhə-rə-bəl How to pronounce measurable (audio)
ˈmā-;
ˈmezh-rə-,
ˈmāzh-
1
: capable of being measured : able to be described in specific terms (as of size, amount, duration, or mass) usually expressed as a quantity
Science is the study of facts—things that are measurable, testable, repeatable, verifiable.David Gerrold
specifically : large or small enough to be measured
Nutmeg has a bitter taste, so cats are unlikely to consume any measurable amount. Elaine Wexler-Mitchell
A Becquerel is the smallest measurable unit of radioactivity. Neco Cockburn
Its scope was no longer a measurable form. It was beyond wealth, beyond power. Ernie Colon and A. J. Gamble
2
: great enough to be noticeable or worth considering : significant
Another terrible opinion poll confirming all the other terrible polls seemed to add no measurable sense of panic to the Labor mood.Geoff Kitney
"… He possesses no measurable talent, his arrogance rivals even that of his father, and he seems to relish in his fame …"Steve Kloves
measurability
ˌme-zhə-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce measurable (audio)
ˌmā-;
ˌmezh-rə-
ˌmāzh-
noun
measurably
ˈme-zhə-rə-blē How to pronounce measurable (audio)
ˈmā-;
ˈmezh-rə-
ˈmāzh-
adverb

measurable

2 of 2

noun

plural measurables
: something that may be measured
especially : a measurable physical attribute (such as height or weight) or ability (such as speed or jumping height) of an athlete
often used in plural
The measurables are pouring in from the NFL scouting combine, where the inspection of the young and the strong goes way beyond the old turn-your-head-and-cough physical. Steve Hummer
His measurables were almost off the charts at the NBA draft combine in Chicago: 7-foot-1, with a 36½-inch running vertical jump, the highest for a 7-footer in combine history. Jeff McDonald

Examples of measurable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Of the nine days thus far in March, seven, including Saturday, have brought measurable rain. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 Its effects are measurable, in blood pressure or hours slept, or noticeable, in weird hand gestures or an erratic mode of speaking, but mental illness has no shape or volume; its size cannot be conveyed through comparisons to fruits and vegetables. Lauren Oyler, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2024 The Inland Empire and Orange and San Diego counties also got measurable rain from this latest storm. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The goal of the awards program is to recognize organizations whose sustainability projects, implemented between 2021 and 2023, generated tangible and measurable benefits that extend beyond commercial interests. Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 San Jose did not receive measurable rain, according to the weather service. Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 To be effective, supporters say DEI initiatives must be well-defined and measurable and there must be genuine buy-in from university leadership. Athena Jones, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024 In the Bay Area, cloudy skies and light showers were expected to linger through Wednesday, but little measurable precipitation was expected. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Numerous studies have found, however, that industry payments and sponsorship, even for inexpensive meals, have measurable influence. Paula Span, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024
Noun
The donors should frame the authority as a compact—an agreement that offers Lebanon billions of dollars in assistance in exchange for measurable, demonstrable performance in rebuilding the city and its port. Daniel Serwer, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2020 At 6-foot and 192 pounds, the measurables aren't eye popping, but Wilson has a knack for getting opening and extending plays into big ones. Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press, 14 Jan. 2024 Between those measurables and his production, Gonzalez received a 92 overall draft score from NFL Next Gen Stats, highest among this year’s cornerbacks. oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2023 Whelan got his first chance to punt July 29 and consistently hit the ball cleanly, with elite measurables. Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2023 The Packers have long been without a natural slot receiver for their offense, but at 5-11 and 187 pounds, Reed has the measurables desired for the position. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023 Minshew stood 6-1, drafted for his accuracy despite some average measurables; Richardson was 6-4 with historic athleticism, a kid still learning the finer points of passing. Indystar Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 13 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'measurable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mesurable "that can be measured, middling, discreet, moderate," borrowed from Anglo-French, "that can be measured, finite, moderate, restrained," borrowed from Late Latin mensūrābilis "that can be measured" (Medieval Latin, "moderate, reasonable"), from mensūrāre "to measure entry 2" + Latin -bilis "capable (of acting), worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of measurable was in 1565

Dictionary Entries Near measurable

Cite this Entry

“Measurable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measurable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

measurable

adjective
mea·​sur·​able
ˈmezh-(ə-)rə-bəl,
ˈmāzh-
: capable of being measured
measurably
-blē
adverb

Medical Definition

measurable

adjective
mea·​sur·​able ˈmezh-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈmāzh- How to pronounce measurable (audio)
: capable of being measured
such measurable factors as the amount of nitrogen in air
specifically : large or small enough to be measured
found in measurable amounts
measurable radiation
measurably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on measurable

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