estimable
Americanadjective
-
worthy of esteem; deserving respect or admiration.
What an estimable young woman; a renowned neurosurgeon at 26.
- Synonyms:
- good, excellent, meritorious, laudable, admirable, respectable, reputable
- Antonyms:
- contemptible
-
capable of being estimated.
The cost to society of drug addiction is hardly estimable.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- estimableness noun
- estimably adverb
- nonestimable adjective
- nonestimableness noun
- nonestimably adverb
- unestimable adjective
Etymology
Origin of estimable
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin aestimābilis, equivalent to aestim(āre) “to value, price, set the monetary value of” + -ābilis, an adjective suffix; see origin at esteem, -able
Explanation
Something or someone estimable is worthy of respect and admiration. Many U.S. presidents might be described as estimable, though it depends on who you ask. This is a word for people who deserve respect. A hardworking scholar who has written several books might be estimable. Things can be estimable, too. You might describe an impressive book, restaurant, or film as estimable. Estimable is related to esteem, which can be used to mean “regard highly.” Being estimable is the opposite of being disgraceful.
Vocabulary lists containing estimable
The Hobbit
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 12, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Pride and Prejudice
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because one, it’s in and of itself estimable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
I was hoping Joe would feel some similarly competitive outrage toward the rolling trapezoid, deficient in Americana, ignorant of history, nothing like the estimable Hummer.
From Slate • Jun. 22, 2025
“It’s still very early days here and the liability is simply not estimable today,” Pizarro said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025
That’s an estimable goal, and while I’m unsure how any movie could foresee the future of cinema, I love the optimism of that statement.
From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2024
Then the estimable Ms. Parton built an amusement park called Dollywood.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
