attributable

[ uh-trib-yoo-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. able to be considered the result of the cause indicated:

   Its success in becoming one of the most livable urban environments is attributable to a bold long-term vision, expressed in unconventional planning decisions.

2. able to be considered a quality or characteristic of the person, thing, group, etc., indicated:

   To eliminate variability in brain measurements attributable to gender, only males were included in this study.

3. able to be considered the work or action of the person or group indicated:

   Statements in this blog are made solely by the author and are not attributable to the law firm for which she works.

4. able to be considered a product of the indicated period, culture, etc.:

   The theme for performances at the carnival is anything attributable to the 16th century—any art, science, game, martial activity, or cuisine.

Other Words From

• non·at·trib·ut·a·ble adjective
• un·at·trib·ut·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attributable¹

attribut(e) ( def ) + -able ( def )

Example Sentences

“What that means and whether they are attributable to a cannabis exposure is a far more complicated question.”

From Salon

They found that this megadrought wouldn’t be nearly as severe without global warming, estimating that 42% of its severity was attributable to higher temperatures.

From Los Angeles Times

The local ward member on Dorset Council, Gary Suttle, suggested there was a suspicion the deaths "could be attributable to carbon monoxide, but it has not been proven".

From BBC

At 60, the sinewy Harbaugh is as fit as any head coach in the game, and his heart issues — diagnosed as atrial flutter — are not indisputably attributable to the stress of the game.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked how some geographically specific shifts in Latino voting patterns might be interpreted, like shifts in south Texas or Florida, he said that they were attributable to “culturally competent and linguistically competent messaging.”

From Salon

Related Words

• detectable
• identifiable