admirable

adjective

ad·​mi·​ra·​ble ˈad-m(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: deserving the highest esteem : excellent

an admirable achievement

2

obsolete : exciting wonder : surprising

admirability

ˌad-m(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

admirableness

ˈad-m(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs 

noun

admirably

ˈad-m(ə-)rə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• applaudable
• commendable
• creditable
• estimable
• laudable
• meritorious
• praiseworthy

Examples of admirable in a Sentence

Loyalty was her most admirable quality.

it's admirable the way she helps her elderly neighbor with chores and errands every Saturday

Recent Examples on the Web

Holding the rioters accountable in court is admirable, Lewis said. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 17 June 2024

Lakers Dan Hurley turns down Lakers coaching offer, will stay at Connecticut June 10, 2024 Certainly, this speaks admirable volumes about the priorities of an East Coast guy who would eschew a walk on the red carpet for a chance to stay among family and try to win a third consecutive NCAA title. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

Despite the admirable and jaw-dropping, chest-tightening, life-reevaluating-ly hot male contestants, season two would be a wash without players like Lee, who was the only team leader with some sense of wisdom and class in the game. —Lisa Kwon, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2024

And after a split second of hesitation, mom and dad deliver, letting loose with some truly admirable hip motion, and arm and leg swings. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English admyrable, borrowed from Anglo-French admirable, borrowed from Latin admīrābilis, from admīrārī "to admire" + -bilis "capable (of acting or being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

admirable

adjective

ad·​mi·​ra·​ble ˌad-mə-rə-bəl 

-mrə-bəl

: deserving to be admired : excellent

admirableness noun

admirably

-blē 

adverb