availability

[ uh-vey-luh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being close at hand and ready for use:

   Children learn about the importance of reading and writing through the availability of a wide variety of books.

2. the fact or quality of being readily obtainable:

   Prices are subject to availability of the product at the time of ordering.

3. freedom or willingness to do something:

   League members selected as reserve players shall confirm their availability by signing the list on the notice board.

4. the fact or condition of not being involved in a romantic or sexual relationship and therefore being potentially open to one:

   Overall, he says, a man is more attracted to a woman by the signs of her availability than by her physical appearance.

Other Words From

• in·ter·a·vail·a·bil·i·ty noun
• non·a·vail·a·bil·i·ty noun
• un·a·vail·a·bil·i·ty un·a·vail·a·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of availability¹

avail(able) ( def ) + -ability ( def )

Example Sentences

That evening at a news conference, Ventura County Fire Capt. Trevor Johnson addressed a question about water issues, saying that water availability remained a challenge, and a dangerous one.

From Los Angeles Times

Recent court rulings have led to the reduction of fluoride in US water, and some experts have questioned the continued need for it in water systems given its wide availability in toothpaste and other dental products.

From BBC

However, recorded cases are not considered to present the most accurate picture for a variety of reasons, including the availability and reach of testing.

From BBC

He is conducting a review into the availability of knives online, especially on social media.

From BBC

But the rollout has drawn criticism from the regulator Ofsted, and the government's education select committee, with issues varying from the quality of teaching to the availability of work placements.

From BBC

Related Words

• opportunity
• show
• time