allowable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “allowable” mean?
Permitted or acceptable according to rules, laws, or established limits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Permitted or acceptable according to rules, laws, or established limits.
Capable of being allowed; within acceptable bounds, especially regarding quantity, cost, or behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slightly more common in American legal and financial contexts. Spelling differences align with standard rules (e.g., 'allowable expense' in both).
Connotations
Neutral to slightly technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English in corporate and tax contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “allowable” in a Sentence
[Noun] is/was allowableallowable under [Rule/Law]the maximum allowable [Noun]it is allowable to [Verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allowable” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The allowable noise level in this zone is 65 decibels.
- Only certain expenses are allowable for VAT reclaim.
American English
- The IRS has strict guidelines for allowable deductions.
- What's the maximum allowable weight for this elevator?
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to costs or deductions accepted for tax or accounting purposes (e.g., 'allowable business expenses').
Academic
Used in legal, philosophical, or technical writing to discuss what is permitted by a given framework.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when discussing rules (e.g., sports, school policies).
Technical
Common in engineering, law, and finance to define parameters or compliant actions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allowable”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allowable”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allowable”
- Using 'allowable' where 'allowed' (verb) is needed (e.g., 'Is it allowable?' vs. 'Are we allowed?').
- Overusing in informal speech where 'okay' or 'permitted' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in formal, legal, business, and technical contexts, but less common in everyday casual conversation.
They are very close synonyms. 'Allowable' often implies permission by specific rules or authorities (e.g., tax code), while 'permissible' can be broader, relating to general acceptability or moral/ethical standards.
Rarely. Its primary part of speech is adjective. The noun form is typically 'allowance' (e.g., tax allowance).
Yes, with very similar meaning and frequency. Minor spelling differences (e.g., 'allowable' vs. 'allowable') follow general patterns, but the word itself is identical.
Permitted or acceptable according to rules, laws, or established limits.
Allowable is usually formal, legal, technical, business in register.
Allowable: in British English it is pronounced /əˈlaʊəbl̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈlaʊəb(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Within allowable limits”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: If something is ALLOWed, it is ALLOWABLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERMISSION IS A CONTAINER (staying within allowable bounds).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'allowable' MOST commonly used?