admirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "admirable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that you respect and admire. For example: "Her admirable dedication to helping others is an inspiration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's done crucial research on language acquisition, and he offers an admirable account of syntax in his book, but it is unclear what he's talking about here.

The Economist

This is not socially admirable or economically productive".

The Guardian

Their resistance was even more admirable against Argentina, with Mora again making a couple of excellent stops before being beaten by a first-half penalty from Daniel Passarella.

The Guardian - Sport

In the face of tough commercial competition, Manchester's Meat Free collective has taken admirable risks for the city's scene.

The Guardian - Music

The scale of this technological achievement is admirable, the logic behind it clear; but all this impressive architecture has been built without any political discussion about whether this is the right thing to do, or any endorsement from millions of members of the public, whose personal lives are now being recycled through giant databases.

The Guardian

The Brits will baulk at giving this one, too, to Linklater – though it's unlikely they'll come over patriotic enough to hand it to Nightcrawler's Dan Gilroy, admirable as such a move might be.

The Guardian - Film

All of the charities I have worked for have admirable principles underpinning their work – youth voice, democratic decision-making, dialogue, agency, reflection.

The Guardian

Prada, for example, has made this model where you can be a business and an opinion leader at the same time, which is totally admirable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rather, Cuba's admirable health report card results from decades of honing a strategy designed specifically for a resource-scarce setting.

The Guardian

Lee has to work harder these days to polarise audiences, but he manages to achieve it with admirable consistency.

The Guardian

Taylor was reprinted by the admirable Virago in the 1980s and 1990s, but has rather lapsed back into oblivion.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admirable" to describe qualities or actions that genuinely inspire respect and approval. Avoid overuse by varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "commendable" or "estimable".

Common error

While "admirable" is a positive descriptor, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "great", "impressive", or "cool" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "admirable" functions to express approval and respect for a particular quality, action, or person. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates something deserving of the highest esteem. This contrasts with merely positive adjectives, as "admirable" specifically conveys a sense of deep appreciation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "admirable" is a commonly used adjective to express respect and approval. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a neutral to formal tone. When using "admirable", consider its connotations of deep appreciation and ensure it aligns with the intended register. For informal settings, synonyms like "great" or "impressive" may be more appropriate. To avoid repetition, vary your vocabulary with alternatives such as "commendable", "praiseworthy", or "impressive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worthy of admiration

This alternative more directly states that something deserves admiration, whereas "admirable" simply implies it.

deserving praise

Focuses on the deserving aspect of praise, highlighting the commendable nature of the subject.

highly commendable

Uses a more formal tone to express strong approval and praise.

estimable

A more formal and less frequently used synonym for "admirable".

of great merit

Highlights the intrinsic value and worth of something.

impressive

Emphasizes the impact and effect something has on others, rather than its inherent worth.

remarkable

Highlights the exceptional and noteworthy nature of something.

praiseworthy

Directly indicates that something is worthy of praise.

deserving of high regard

This alternative emphasizes the respect and esteem that the subject warrants.

exceptionally good

Focuses on the superior quality of something, implying it exceeds expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "admirable" in a sentence?

You can use "admirable" to describe qualities or actions that deserve respect and approval. For example, "Her dedication to the project was truly admirable."

What are some synonyms for "admirable"?

Alternatives to "admirable" include "commendable", "praiseworthy", "impressive", and "estimable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "very admirable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "very admirable" to emphasize the degree to which something is admirable. However, consider using a stronger synonym for "admirable" for greater impact.

What's the difference between "admirable" and "amazing"?

"Admirable" suggests respect and approval for a quality or action, while "amazing" conveys astonishment or wonder. Something can be "amazing" without being "admirable", and vice versa.