desirable
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for desirable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Worth wanting; pleasing or attractive.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use desirable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French desirable, built from "desire" plus the suffix -able ("capable of being").
Full origin of desirable →Frequently asked questions
What does “desirable” mean?
The word “desirable” means worth wanting; pleasing or attractive. In plain terms, something worth wanting, or someone people find attractive.
How do you pronounce “desirable”?
“Desirable” is pronounced dih-ZEYE-uh-ruh-buhl (/dɪˈzaɪəɹəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “desirable” in a sentence?
Here is “desirable” used in a sentence: “A quiet, spacious garden is a desirable feature for this house.”
What is the opposite of “desirable”?
The opposite of “desirable” — its antonyms — is undesirable.
What part of speech is “desirable”?
“Desirable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “desirable” come from?
The word “desirable” comes from Old French. From Old French desirable, built from "desire" plus the suffix -able ("capable of being").
Is “desirable” a common word?
“Desirable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “desirable” have?
“Desirable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: worth wanting; pleasing or attractive.
What is the difference between desirable and desired?
Desirable describes something worth wanting because of its qualities, while desired describes something that is actually being wanted at a given moment. A desirable job is one that appeals to people in general; a desired outcome is the specific result someone is currently hoping for.
What is the difference between desirable and attractive?
Desirable can describe both physical appeal and the appeal of qualities, situations, or outcomes, such as a desirable property or a desirable trait. Attractive is used more narrowly, usually for physical or visual appeal, so desirable has a broader range of use.
Is desirable a formal word?
Desirable is a neutral word that works in both formal and everyday English, appearing in business, academic, and casual writing alike. It is common in phrases like "highly desirable" or "desirable qualities" in job listings and reports.