verb
Uncommon
avail
uh-VAYL
Avail (verb) means to make use of an opportunity or resource, usually for one's own benefit. Example: “Guests can avail themselves of the free breakfast every morning.”
verb
1
To make use of an opportunity or resource, usually for one's own benefit.
"Guests can avail themselves of the free breakfast every morning."
"She availed herself of every training course the company offered."
noun
1
Use or benefit, especially in the phrase "to no avail," meaning without success.
"They searched for hours, but to no avail."
How to use avail
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make use of something useful, or (as a noun) the benefit gained from trying.
Common mistake
Mostly seen today in fixed phrases like "avail yourself of" and "to no avail" rather than as a everyday standalone verb.
Common pairings
avail yourself of
to no avail
avail of an opportunity
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Word forms
- Plural
- avails
- Third person singular
- avails
- Past tense
- availed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Guests can _____ themselves of the free breakfast every morning.
Etymology
From Old French a- ("to") plus vail, from valoir, "to be worth," from Latin valere, "to be strong."
Related words
Rhymes for avail
See all rhymes for avail →Frequently asked questions
What does “avail” mean?
The word “avail” means to make use of an opportunity or resource, usually for one's own benefit. In plain terms, to make use of something useful, or (as a noun) the benefit gained from trying.
How do you pronounce “avail”?
“Avail” is pronounced uh-VAYL (/əˈveɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “avail” in a sentence?
Here is “avail” used in a sentence: “Guests can avail themselves of the free breakfast every morning.”
What is the opposite of “avail”?
The opposite of “avail” — its antonyms — is disavail.
What part of speech is “avail”?
Depending on how it is used, “avail” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “avail” come from?
The word “avail” comes from Latin. From Old French a- ("to") plus vail, from valoir, "to be worth," from Latin valere, "to be strong.".
Is “avail” a common word?
“Avail” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “avail” have?
“Avail” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make use of an opportunity or resource, usually for one's own benefit.
How is 'avail' used as a verb?
As a verb, avail means to make use of an opportunity or resource for one's own benefit, and it is almost always used reflexively, as in 'avail yourself of the offer.' It is fairly formal and less common in everyday speech than simpler alternatives like 'use.' It appears often in written instructions and formal invitations.
Is 'avail' used on its own or only with 'yourself of'?
'Avail' alone as a verb is rare outside the reflexive construction, so 'avail yourself of' is the standard way to express making use of something. Saying simply 'avail an opportunity' sounds unnatural or archaic to most modern speakers. The reflexive pronoun is essentially required in contemporary usage.
