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

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

The assessment also found short-term non-cancer health risk above the allowable threshold from being exposed to toxic air contaminants for an hour, while long-term risk of non-cancer health effects fell below the threshold. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

The maximum allowable liability quotient tapers from 90 per cent this season to 80 per cent from 2028-29 onwards. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 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