allowable

adjective

al·​low·​able ə-ˈlau̇-ə-bəl 

: that may be allowed : permissible

allowable income tax deductions

allowably

ə-ˈlau̇-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of allowable

• acceptable
• permissible
• permitted
• admissible
• legal

Examples of allowable in a Sentence

international travel without a passport isn't allowable

Recent Examples on the Web

Chicago also needs to revisit rules surrounding minimum lot area, allowable density, parking minimums and building design. — Bennett Lawson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Many families cannot afford to take the full allowable time off, using up sick or vacation time if available. — Megan Kuykendoll, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

And where did one draw the line, anyway, between allowable excess and disruptive public discourse? — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

Under current proposals, to be finalized late next year, allowable density could quadruple — from eight to 32 units per acre — giving the city the legal zoning required to build more housing. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alowable, allowable "proper, admissible," borrowed from Anglo-French alouable, from aluer, aloer "to accept as legally valid, permit" + -able -able — more at allow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for allowable

• unallowable