B2adjective2K

Considerable

UK /["/kənˈsɪdərəbl/"]/US /["/kənˈsɪdərəbl/"]/

Definition

great in amount, size, importance, etc.

In simple words: A lot; significant in amount or degree.

Examples

  • The project wasted a considerable amount of time and money.
  • Damage to the building was considerable.
  • Considerable progress has been made in finding a cure for the disease.
  • They can run quite considerable distances.
  • Caring for elderly relatives requires considerable moral courage.
  • The animal was in considerable distress.

Usage notes

Use 'considerable' when discussing something important or substantial. It's appropriate in both written and spoken language, but avoid using it in very casual contexts.

Grammar pattern

considerable + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'consider + able' — it’s able to be considered important.

Collocations

  • considerable impact
  • considerable effort
  • considerable amount

Synonyms

  • significant

Antonyms

  • insignificant
  • minor
  • inconsequential

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'considering' as a verb instead of 'considerable' as an adjective.
  • Using 'considerable' with uncountable nouns only, instead of also with countable.
  • Omitting it when it can emphasize significant amounts.