adjective
Common
applicable
uh-PLIHK-uh-buhl
Applicable (adjective) means Relevant or suitable to a particular situation. Example: “Please tick the boxes that are applicable to your situation and leave the rest blank.”
adjective
1
Relevant or suitable to a particular situation.
"This rule is not applicable to the longer-standing members of the club."
"Please tick the boxes that are applicable to your situation and leave the rest blank."
"This rule is applicable to all new employees."
"The discount is only applicable on weekdays."
How to use applicable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFits or applies to the case at hand.
Common pairings
not applicable
where applicable
applicable law
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more applicable
- Superlative
- most applicable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please tick the boxes that are _____ to your situation and leave the rest blank.
Etymology
From Old French applicable, from Medieval Latin applicabilis.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for applicable
See all rhymes for applicable →Frequently asked questions
What does “applicable” mean?
The word “applicable” means relevant or suitable to a particular situation. In plain terms, fits or applies to the case at hand.
How do you pronounce “applicable”?
“Applicable” is pronounced uh-PLIHK-uh-buhl (/əˈplɪk.ə.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “applicable” in a sentence?
Here is “applicable” used in a sentence: “This rule is applicable to all new employees.”
What is the opposite of “applicable”?
The opposite of “applicable” — its antonyms — are inapplicable, non-applicable and nonapplicable.
What part of speech is “applicable”?
“Applicable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “applicable” come from?
The word “applicable” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French applicable, from Medieval Latin applicabilis.
Is “applicable” a common word?
“Applicable” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'applicable' and 'relevant'?
'Relevant' means connected to the topic at hand, while 'applicable' means a rule, method, or fact can actually be used in a particular situation. A comment can be relevant to a discussion without being applicable to your specific case.
Do you say 'applicable to' or 'applicable for'?
The standard preposition after 'applicable' is 'to,' as in 'the discount is applicable to online orders.' 'Applicable for' is sometimes seen but is less accepted in careful, formal writing.
What is the difference between 'applicable' and 'appropriate'?
'Applicable' means a rule or condition genuinely applies to a case, while 'appropriate' means something is suitable or fitting for a situation. A policy can be applicable, in that it legally covers you, even when acting on it would not be appropriate.
When do forms use 'not applicable' or 'N/A'?
'Not applicable,' often shortened to 'N/A,' is written on a form when a question does not relate to your situation and so cannot be answered. It signals that the field was left blank on purpose rather than overlooked.
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