preferable

1 of 2

adjective

pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpre-f(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈpre-fər-bəl

also pri-ˈfər-ə-bəl

: having greater value or desirability : being preferred

preferability

ˌpre-f(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

preferability

2 of 2

noun

pref·​er·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpref(ə)rəˈbilətē 

-lətē, 

-i

: preferableness

Examples of preferable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Taking a page from professional players associations, Abruzzo sees sectoral bargaining—where unions and multiple employers set baseline, industry-wide compensation and workplace standards—as the preferable long-term outcome for college athletes. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Let the oil soak for at least an hour, but overnight is preferable. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

For some spouses, however, filing separately may be the preferable choice. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026

Just as in 1971’s NHL, getting the last wild card is preferable to getting one above it. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

preferable + -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1666, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preferable

• referable

Kids Definition

preferable

adjective

pref·​er·​a·​ble ˈpref-(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈpref-ər-bəl

: worthy to be preferred : more desirable

preferability

ˌpref-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

preferably

ˈpref-(ə-)rə-blē 

ˈpref-ər-

adverb