availability
C1Neutral to formal. Common in professional, academic, technical, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The state of being able to be used, obtained, or accessed; the fact of being free to do something.
In computing, the extent to which a system or resource is operational and accessible when required. In personnel, the times when someone is not occupied and can be contacted or can work.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An uncountable noun. Often implies a temporary or conditional state rather than a permanent quality. Focuses on the absence of obstacles to access or use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Spelling is consistent. 'Diary' is more common in UK contexts for personal time (e.g., "check my diary"), while 'calendar' is more common in US.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties across formal and professional domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
availability of + [NOUN]availability for + [NOUN/PURPOSE]availability to + [VERB]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Subject to availability.”
- “On a first-come, first-served basis (related concept).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to stock, personnel, or services. E.g., 'The availability of the new model is limited this quarter.'
Academic
Used regarding data, resources, or research participants. E.g., 'The study's limitations include the availability of longitudinal data.'
Everyday
Used for social plans, goods, or appointments. E.g., 'I'll check my availability and get back to you.'
Technical
In IT, refers to system uptime and reliability. E.g., 'The service guarantees 99.9% availability.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I will avail myself of the library's resources.
- This opportunity may not avail you.
American English
- He availed himself of the chance to network.
- Your excuses will not avail you now.
adverb
British English
- The product is readily available in most supermarkets.
- The data is publicly available online.
American English
- Tickets are freely available on their website.
- The report is widely available in PDF format.
adjective
British English
- The ticket machine was out of order, so it wasn't available.
- Is the manager available for a quick word?
American English
- The software update is now available for download.
- I'm not available to work weekends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hotel room is available next week.
- Is this book available in the library?
- Please check the availability of flights before you book the hotel.
- The doctor's availability is limited on Fridays.
- The widespread availability of fast internet has changed how we work.
- We cannot guarantee his availability for the project due to other commitments.
- The study critiques the unequal availability of healthcare resources across socioeconomic groups.
- System availability is paramount for our cloud infrastructure, requiring redundant failover mechanisms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A villa ability' – Imagine checking if a villa is ABLE to be rented for your holiday dates.
Conceptual Metaphor
AVAILABILITY IS AN OPEN DOOR / A CLEAR PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'доступность' in all contexts; for people/time, use 'наличие свободного времени'. For products, 'наличие в наличии' is redundant; use 'наличие' or 'доступность'.
- Do not confuse with 'ability' (способность).
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'availabilities').
- Confusing with 'avail' (verb).
- Misspelling as 'availibility'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'availability' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost always uncountable. Avoid using 'availabilities'.
'Availability' means something exists and can be used. 'Accessibility' focuses on how easy it is to reach or use, often for people with disabilities.
Yes, it commonly refers to whether someone is free/unoccupied (e.g., 'I'll check my availability').
"Subject to availability" is very common, meaning an offer is only valid if the product/service is in stock or unsold.
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