allowable

adjective

al·​low·​able ə-ˈlau̇-ə-bəl 

: permissible

allowable income tax deductions

allowably

ə-ˈlau̇-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• acceptable
• permissible
• permitted
• admissible
• legal

Examples of allowable in a Sentence

international travel without a passport isn't allowable

Recent Examples on the Web

The list of allowable grounds includes malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness, incompetence, or permanent inability to perform official duties. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025

Those are the allowable strings in this silly example, okay? —Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2025

However, increasing the allowable floor area ratio and the use of air rights have upped the neighborhood’s property value and the coalition’s activism, according to supporter Katie Sue Nicklos, CEO and owner of Wing & Weft Gloves. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2025

Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported that the company has a history of drivers being repeatedly cited for exceeding the number of allowable hours on the road. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025

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