admirable

adjective

ad·​mi·​ra·​ble ˈad-m(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: deserving the highest esteem : excellent

an admirable achievement

2

obsolete : exciting wonder : surprising

admirability

ˌad-m(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

admirableness

ˈad-m(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs 

noun

admirably

ˈad-m(ə-)rə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of admirable

• meritorious
• worthy
• excellent
• commendable
• laudable
• impressive
• praiseworthy
• awesome

Examples of admirable in a Sentence

Loyalty was her most admirable quality.

it's admirable the way she helps her elderly neighbor with chores and errands every Saturday

Recent Examples on the Web

Polly Pen, who played the role of cheerleader Patty Simcox, has since fashioned an admirable theatrical career while living in Manhattan. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

There are few human qualities more admirable than the willingness to risk or even sacrifice one’s own life to protect others. — Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026

Roosevelt, for his part, thought Churchill was being completely absurd with his romantic ideas about supporting this admirable little leader called De Gaulle. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026

Abe also reported that, while local and state officials insisted the emergency response to the flood was admirable, first responders say the three deaths could have been avoided. — Cengiz Yar, ProPublica, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English admyrable, borrowed from Anglo-French admirable, borrowed from Latin admīrābilis, from admīrārī "to admire" + -bilis "capable (of acting or being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

admirable

adjective

ad·​mi·​ra·​ble ˌad-mə-rə-bəl 

-mrə-bəl

: deserving to be admired : excellent

admirableness noun

admirably

-blē 

adverb