updatable

USAGE SUMMARY

"updatable" is an acceptable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that can be modified, changed, or updated. For example, "This computer has an updatable operating system so it can be kept up-to-date with the latest security patches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

With Google's apps and Play Services updatable separate from Android operating system underneath, material updates that change the look and field, the way Android works can be performed directly without having to go through various channels and without significantly changing the underlying system.

The Guardian - Tech

According to a small-business grant document posted online, Mr. Hekmati was responsible for Kuma's winning a contract with the Defense Department to develop "an effective, cost-efficient, rapidly deployable and easily updatable language retention toolset for trainers and soldiers deployed around the world".

The New York Times

First questionable bit of research heard at #ces2013 – 80% of consumers want "updatable" TVs, say samsung.

The New York Times

Or see their 2011 post, 20 Ways to Teach About the Disaster in Japan Across the Curriculum, to find more easily updatable ideas.

The New York Times

Imagine a downloadable and updatable guide for handheld devices, with maps locating every object.

The New York Times - Arts

"WhatsApp has transformed migration from a terrifying trip into the unknown to an instantly updatable rendezvous with friends and family who have gone before," said Eagar.

The Guardian

But he also subscribes to the belief that the body is essentially a computer made up of overwritable data and updatable apps.

The New Yorker

Last June, E Ink's first commercial product -- updatable signs, based on the electrode-sandwich design -- began appearing in Eckerd drugstores.

The New York Times - Magazine

It enables professional philosophers around the world to collectively maintain a refereed, continuously updatable, online reference work.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When talking about physical products, consider alternatives like "upgradeable" or "modifiable" if the focus is on hardware enhancements rather than software updates.

Common error

Avoid using "updatable" when you mean "updated." "Updatable" describes the capability of being updated, while "updated" indicates that an update has already occurred. For example, say "the software is updatable" not "the software is updated" when you want to emphasize that it can receive updates.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "updatable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their capacity for being updated or modified. Ludwig confirms that "updatable" is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "updatable" functions as an adjective that describes something with the capacity to be updated or modified. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While "updatable" is generally suitable for neutral registers, it's important to distinguish it from "updated," which indicates that an update has already occurred. When using "updatable", be sure to emphasize the capability of being updated, rather than a state of having been updated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifiable

This alternative focuses on the ability to make changes, emphasizing the capability of being altered.

upgradeable

This term specifically implies the ability to improve or enhance something to a newer version.

amendable

This alternative highlights the possibility of correcting or improving something through formal changes.

patchable

Suggests the ability to fix or improve something with updates, often used in software contexts.

renewable

Implies the ability to be refreshed or reinstated, often used in the context of subscriptions or resources.

revisionable

Focuses on the capability of being reviewed and altered, implying a formal process of change.

correctable

Highlights the ability to rectify errors or inaccuracies.

adjustable

Implies the ability to fine-tune or alter settings for optimal performance.

configurable

Refers to the ability to customize or set up something according to specific needs.

customizable

Emphasizes the ability to tailor something to individual preferences.

FAQs

How can I use "updatable" in a sentence?

You can use "updatable" to describe something that has the capability to be updated. For example, "This app offers "updatable content"" or "The system features "updatable firmware"".

What is a good alternative to "updatable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "modifiable", "upgradeable", or "amendable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "updatable" the same as "updated"?

No, "updatable" describes the capability of being updated, while "updated" means the update has already been applied. A system might be "updatable", meaning it can receive updates, but not currently "updated".

What is the difference between "updatable" and "upgradeable"?

"Updatable" generally refers to keeping something current with minor improvements or fixes, while "upgradeable" often implies a more significant enhancement or a move to a newer version. An operating system can be "updatable" with patches, but also "upgradeable" to a completely new version.