flammability: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical/scientific, formal, sometimes metaphorical in journalism
Quick answer
What does “flammability” mean?
The quality of being easily ignited and burning rapidly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being easily ignited and burning rapidly.
In technical contexts, flammability refers to a material's susceptibility to ignition and its ability to sustain combustion under specified test conditions. In metaphorical use, it can describe volatile situations or personalities prone to sudden, intense reactions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. British English may slightly prefer 'flammability' in official safety contexts, while American English uses it equally in technical and general reporting.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts. Can carry negative connotations when describing dangerous materials or volatile situations.
Frequency
More frequent in American English in general news (e.g., reporting on product recalls).
Grammar
How to Use “flammability” in a Sentence
The + noun + has + (a) + ADJ + flammability.Flammability + is + a + key + property + of + noun.Scientists + measured + the + flammability + of + noun.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flammability” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The laboratory is testing new, less-flammable insulation materials.
- The report highlighted the highly flammable nature of the dust.
American English
- Regulations require clear labeling for flammable liquids.
- They switched to a non-flammable solvent for the process.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in product safety specifications, insurance assessments, and supply chain management for materials.
Academic
Core term in chemistry, materials science, engineering, and fire safety research.
Everyday
Used when discussing safety of furniture, clothing, or building materials.
Technical
Precise term with defined testing protocols (e.g., ASTM E84, UL94).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flammability”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flammability”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flammability”
- Using 'inflammability' (archaic and potentially confusing as 'in-' can be misread as a negative prefix).
- Confusing 'flammability' (property) with 'a fire' (event).
- Misspelling as 'flamability'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, but 'inflammability' is now largely archaic and can be confusing. Modern technical and everyday usage strongly prefers 'flammability'. 'Inflammable' is still used for labels, but 'flammable' is preferred for clarity.
They are closely related. Flammability typically refers to how easily a material ignites and how rapidly flames spread. Combustibility is a broader term meaning a material can burn, often encompassing the entire burning process. A material can be combustible (can burn) but have low flammability (hard to ignite).
Yes, but this is a metaphorical extension. It describes a tendency for volatile, intense reactions (e.g., 'the flammability of the debate'). This usage is common in journalism and analytical writing.
Through standardised tests that measure factors like ignition temperature, flame spread rate, heat release rate, and smoke production. Common standards include the ASTM E84 'Steiner Tunnel' test and the UL94 vertical/horizontal burning test for plastics.
The quality of being easily ignited and burning rapidly.
Flammability is usually technical/scientific, formal, sometimes metaphorical in journalism in register.
Flammability: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflæm.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflæm.əˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FLAME-ability' – its ability to produce a flame.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOLATILITY IS FLAMMABILITY (e.g., 'The political situation's flammability required careful handling.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the PRIMARY meaning of 'flammability'?