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

The bravery and ambition are admirable, but some of those Open Division candidates might be too big and too physically advanced for the Sea Kings. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026

That’s admirable, but not consistent with the way the Academy noms are determined. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026

This horrifying story isn’t without admirable counterpoints. —Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

Although his response was viewed as admirable, being left out symbolised the tough start. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 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