noun

solubility

sol-yuh-BIL-uh-tee

Solubility (noun) means the extent to which a substance will dissolve in a given liquid, usually stated as the maximum amount that dissolves in a set volume at a set temperature. Example: “The solubility of table salt in water is about 36 grams per 100 millilitres at room temperature.”

noun

The extent to which a substance will dissolve in a given liquid, usually stated as the maximum amount that dissolves in a set volume at a set temperature.

"The solubility of table salt in water is about 36 grams per 100 millilitres at room temperature."

"Warming the solvent increases the solubility of most solids."

formal The capacity of a problem to be solved.

"Mathematicians debated the solubility of the equation for a century."

How to Use Solubility

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow much of something will dissolve in a liquid.

When to use it

Technical; standard in chemistry, pharmacology and food science.

Easily confused with

solution → soluble miscibility

Common pairings

solubility in water solubility product poor solubility aqueous solubility

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “solubility” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of table salt in water is about 36 grams per 100 millilitres at room temperature.

Etymology

From Latin 'solubilis', from 'solvere' meaning 'to loosen, dissolve'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

dissolvability

Antonyms

insolubility

Rhymes for solubility

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for solubility →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between solubility and dissolving?

Dissolving is the process of a substance breaking up and spreading through a liquid. Solubility is the fixed limit on how much can dissolve under given conditions. Sugar dissolves in tea; its solubility tells you when the tea can take no more.

Does temperature affect solubility?

Yes, and the direction depends on the substance. Most solids dissolve better in hot liquid, which is why sugar disappears faster in hot tea. Gases do the opposite: warm water holds less carbon dioxide, which is why a fizzy drink goes flat quicker when warm.

What is a saturated solution?

One that holds as much dissolved substance as its solubility allows at that temperature. Add more and it simply sits at the bottom undissolved.