adjective
laudable
LAW-duh-buhl
Laudable (adjective) means deserving praise, especially for good intentions, even if the result falls short. Example: “The scheme had a laudable aim but almost no funding.”
adjective
1
Deserving praise, especially for good intentions, even if the result falls short.
"The scheme had a laudable aim but almost no funding."
"Her refusal to name colleagues was laudable."
How to use laudable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeserving to be praised.
When to use it
Formal; common in editorials, reviews and official reports.
Memory tip
Laudable most often attaches to aims, intentions and efforts rather than to finished results.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
laudable aim
laudable effort
laudable goal
wholly laudable
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The scheme had a _____ aim but almost no funding.
Etymology
From Latin laudabilis, from laudare, meaning to praise.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for laudable
See all rhymes for laudable →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between laudable and laudatory?
Laudable means deserving praise; laudatory means giving praise. An effort is laudable, while a review of that effort is laudatory. Mixing them up is one of the most common errors with this pair.
Why does laudable often appear before a criticism?
It is frequently used to concede that a motive was good before pointing out that the execution was poor, as in 'a laudable goal, poorly delivered'. The word is genuinely positive, but the pattern gives it a slightly qualified feel.
What is the meaning of laudable?
"laudable" (adjective) means deserving praise, especially for good intentions, even if the result falls short.
What is another word for laudable?
Other words for "laudable" include praiseworthy, commendable, admirable, meritorious, creditable, applaudable.
