adj
Very common
allowed
uh-LOWD
Allowed (adj) means Permitted; given official or personal approval to happen or be done. Example: “Are we allowed to take photos inside the museum, or is that forbidden?”
adj
1
Permitted; given official or personal approval to happen or be done.
"Are we allowed to take photos inside the museum, or is that forbidden?"
"Dogs are not allowed on the beach in summer."
"You are allowed one carry-on bag per passenger."
How to use allowed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiven permission — you're okay to do or have it.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "aloud" (spoken out loud) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
not allowed
allowed to
as many as allowed
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like allowed.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more allowed
- Superlative
- most allowed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Are we _____ to take photos inside the museum, or is that forbidden?
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for allowed
See all rhymes for allowed →Frequently asked questions
What does “allowed” mean?
The word “allowed” means permitted; given official or personal approval to happen or be done. In plain terms, given permission — you're okay to do or have it.
How do you pronounce “allowed”?
“Allowed” is pronounced uh-LOWD (/əˈlaʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “allowed” in a sentence?
Here is “allowed” used in a sentence: “Dogs are not allowed on the beach in summer.”
What is the opposite of “allowed”?
The opposite of “allowed” — its antonyms — are banned, forbidden and prohibited.
What part of speech is “allowed”?
“Allowed” is an adjective.
Is “allowed” a common word?
“Allowed” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between allowed and aloud?
They sound the same but are unrelated. 'Allowed' is the past form of allow, meaning permitted, as in 'photos are allowed.' 'Aloud' is an adverb meaning out loud or audibly, as in 'read the passage aloud.' If you mean giving permission, the word you want is allowed.
What is the opposite of allowed?
Common opposites are forbidden, prohibited, banned, and not permitted, all meaning that something is refused approval. 'Barred' or 'disallowed' work in the same way. Which fits best depends on tone, but each signals the reverse of having official or personal permission to do something.
Is 'allowed' formal or informal?
It is neutral and works comfortably in both settings. You can say 'kids aren't allowed in here' in casual speech or write 'visitors are allowed access on weekdays' in an official notice. For a more formal tone, 'permitted' or 'authorised' are close alternatives.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include allowed:
