laudable
Americanadjective
-
deserving praise; praiseworthy; commendable.
Reorganizing the files was a laudable idea.
-
Medicine/Medical Obsolete. healthy; wholesome; not noxious.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- laudability noun
- laudableness noun
- laudably adverb
- unlaudable adjective
- unlaudableness noun
- unlaudably adverb
Etymology
Origin of laudable
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word laudābilis. See laud, -able
Explanation
Use the word laudable to describe something that deserves praise or admiration, like your laudable efforts to start a recycling program at your school. When you break apart the word laudable, you can see the verb laud, meaning praise or acclaim, followed by the suffix -able, which is a tip-off that this word is an adjective. So laudable describes things that are worthy of praise, such as a laudable effort to end poverty, and it can also describe admirable ideas or beliefs, such as a laudable compassion for others.
Vocabulary lists containing laudable
Grade 11, List 1
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The Tragedy of Macbeth
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"
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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.
That his work has become commercially iconic is undeniable; whether that’s a laudable artistic legacy to leave behind is a different question.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Having many high school athletes end their season as champions is laudable.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2025
In mitigation, defence barrister Philip Wright told the court his actions may seem "unfathomable" given the "laudable and noble" features of his political life.
From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025
Some of Hegseth’s notions, which have been circulating in reform circles for a decade, are laudable.
From Slate • Nov. 8, 2025
Did laudable work at Floyd's Foods; rarely missed spots while mopping; was up for night manager.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
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.
