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

In 2018, North Carolina voters approved a constitutional amendment lowering the maximum allowable income tax rate from 10% to 7%, with less than 60% of voters supporting the proposal. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2026

The proposal would increase the allowable amount from $50,000 to as much as $250,000 over the next two years, cutting billions of dollars in revenue from local governments' budgets. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

If a critical variable exceeds an allowable limit, the safety function overrides the control system regardless of why the controller made its decision. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

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