retrievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retrievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that can be obtained or accessed again, such as data or information. Example: "The files are stored in a secure location and are easily retrievable when needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rest are things like photos and phone calls which are less easily retrievable and usable.

The Economist

But many passwords, such as those for e-mail, remain cached in memory and retrievable while a phone is active as they may need to be sent to a remote server again and again.

The Economist

Mr Müller and Mr Spreitzenbarth successfully retrieved full address books, some Wi-Fi information, e-mail passwords, photos and even web pages browsed a week earlier (since the device had not been turned off in that time).Some information is reliably retrievable only if a phone is examined immediately after information is used or stored.

The Economist

THE Obama magic has waned and Washington, to a visitor, is full of people sadly theorising about why it waned so fast and whether it might be retrievable.

The Economist

In electric hybrids only 35% of the kinetic energy lost during braking is retrievable.

The Economist

Soon after that he had read an article called "As We May Think" by Vannevar Bush, imagining a future in which everyone's own library of memories, books and memoranda was instantly retrievable on a desktop screen, rather than in the little notebooks he carried in his top shirt pocket.

The Economist

In quantum-mechanical terms, the two clumps of atoms were indistinguishable objects, so the probe pulse imprinted on one condensate would theoretically be retrievable from the other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our respect has diminished, but that, I dare say, is retrievable.

Independent

But he insisted the position was "retrievable," calling for a "Team Labour approach" which gave Shadow Cabinet members a more prominent role rather than relying only on Mr Miliband to present the party's case.

Independent

The auditors will be tasked with discovering whether or not taxpayer's money was wasted or misplaced through incompetence – and whether or not it is now retrievable.

Independent

Digital watermarks, which may or may not be visible, can be added to image and video files so that information embedded in the file is retrievable for purposes of copyright protection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital data, use "retrievable" to emphasize the ability to access and restore information, such as "retrievable files" or "retrievable backups".

Common error

Avoid using "retrievable" when you actually mean "recoverable" in situations involving damage or loss. "Retrievable" focuses on accessibility, while "recoverable" indicates restoration to a previous state.

Linguistic Context

The word "retrievable" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate the capacity or ability to be retrieved or recovered. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "retrievable" describes data, memories, and even abstract concepts such as dignity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrievable" is a common adjective used to describe something that is capable of being recovered or accessed. Ludwig AI confirms that the word follows standard grammar rules. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts, indicating a neutral register. While it is often used in reference to data, its meaning extends to other items and abstract concepts. Consider alternatives such as "recoverable", "accessible", and "obtainable" to better convey the intended meaning. Remember to use "retrievable" when you intend to describe access instead of restoration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recoverable

Indicates the possibility of getting something back after it has been lost or taken.

accessible

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be reached or obtained.

obtainable

Highlights the possibility of acquiring or getting something.

recoverable

Focuses on the act of regaining something that was lost or damaged.

regainable

Indicates the ability to get something back, often after a period of loss.

salvageable

Suggests that something can be saved from a situation of loss or damage.

extractable

Emphasizes the ability to remove or draw something out from a source.

reachable

Highlights the ability to access or make contact with something.

available

Indicates that something is ready for use or can be easily obtained.

attainable

Focuses on the possibility of achieving or reaching a certain goal or state.

FAQs

How can I use "retrievable" in a sentence?

Use "retrievable" to describe something capable of being recovered or accessed, such as "The deleted data is still "retrievable" from the backup system."

What are some alternatives to saying "retrievable"?

Alternatives include "recoverable", "accessible", or "obtainable", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "retrievable data" or "retrieved data"?

"Retrievable data" refers to data that can be accessed or recovered. "Retrieved data" describes data that has already been accessed or recovered. The correct choice depends on whether you are describing the potential to access the data or the act of accessing it.

What's the difference between "retrievable" and "recoverable"?

"Retrievable" generally means capable of being accessed or obtained, while "recoverable" suggests that something can be restored to a previous condition or state. Data can be "retrievable" from a backup, but a corrupted file needs to be "recoverable".