sufferable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sufferable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that, while difficult or unpleasant, is still bearable or tolerable. Example: "The long hours were sufferable, but I was so exhausted by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

For, as the declaration itself notes, "all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed".

The New York Times

"Sonia's tendency has been to suffer evils until she deems them no longer sufferable," Peter Kougasian, who attended Princeton with Sotomayor and worked with her in the D.A.'s office, said, paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence.

The New Yorker

Playing for his continent, for a flag, for a team — conditions of the Cup that for Woods appear sufferable, at best — invigorates the already fiery Spaniard.

The New Yorker

Even assuming that the M.T.A.'s proposals are all that's needed to make East Midtown commuting sufferable for the foreseeable future, there's reason to doubt that the authority will have the money it requires.

The New York Times

If we're lucky, as adults we figure out how to allow thoughts to rise but yank them back before they reach the yawning, oxygen-less, existential atmosphere — in other words, we keep our musings sufferable and practicable.

The New York Times

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Matt is perfectly sufferable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The parents argued about which city's weather was less sufferable, D.C.'s or Haifa's.

The New Yorker

Winfrey's powerful common sense and humor dominate these moments, which are a welcome relief from the White House and the demonstrations; without the scenes at home — good times and bad — the movie could have been a barely sufferable nobility trip.

The New Yorker

His smugness is not entirely sufferable, and it is galling that he should be so disturbed by the resurrection of his rival's old dojo that he sets the goal of destroying it.

The New Yorker

Just when the Knicks had begun to look sufferable, Larry Brown haunted them this week through a magazine article with a reminder of one of the franchise's worst seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sufferable" to describe situations that are unpleasant but still within the bounds of what can be tolerated. For instance, "The commute was long, but the conversation made it sufferable."

Common error

Avoid using "sufferable" when you want to convey something is enjoyable or pleasant. "Sufferable" inherently implies some level of discomfort or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sufferable" primarily functions to describe something that is capable of being endured or tolerated. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where "sufferable" modifies nouns to indicate the degree to which something can be suffered.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sufferable" is an adjective used to describe something that is unpleasant but still bearable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides real-world examples from news and media sources. While not a frequently used word, it effectively conveys the idea of endurance. Consider alternatives like "tolerable" or ""bearable"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Avoid using "sufferable" when referring to something enjoyable, and remember its neutral register in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bearable

Direct synonym implying something can be endured.

tolerable

Similar to "sufferable", indicating acceptance despite unpleasantness.

endurable

Highlights the capacity to withstand something over time.

manageable

Suggests something can be handled or controlled, making it less burdensome.

acceptable

Implies something meets a minimum standard of approval.

livable

Focuses on the capacity to live with a situation or condition.

supportable

Indicates something can be maintained or upheld without collapse.

not unbearable

Expresses the idea by negating its opposite, suggesting a milder level of difficulty.

within reason

Indicates something is acceptable as long as it stays within certain limits.

passable

Suggests something is just good enough to be accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "sufferable" in a sentence?

You can use "sufferable" to describe something unpleasant but bearable, such as, "The noise was almost unbearable, but the company made it "sufferable"."

What is the difference between "sufferable" and "tolerable"?

"Sufferable" and "tolerable" are very similar, but "sufferable" might imply a slightly greater degree of endurance or patience is required. "Tolerable" simply means acceptable, whereas "sufferable" suggests something is endured.

Which is correct: "The pain was sufferable" or "The pain was "bearable""?

Both "The pain was sufferable" and "The pain was "bearable"" are grammatically correct. "Bearable" is perhaps more commonly used in contemporary English.

What can I say instead of ""sufferable""?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""bearable"", "tolerable", or "endurable".