enviable

[ en-vee-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. worthy of envy; very desirable:

   an enviable position.

   Synonyms: lucky, fortunate, advantageous

enviable

/ ˈɛnvɪəbəl /

adjective

1. exciting envy; fortunate or privileged

Derived Forms

• ˈenviably, adverb
• ˈenviableness, noun

Other Words From

• envi·a·ble·ness noun
• envi·a·bly adverb
• non·envi·a·ble adjective
• non·envi·a·ble·ness noun
• non·envi·a·bly adverb
• un·envi·a·ble adjective
• un·envi·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of enviable¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; envy + -able

Example Sentences

Ben Smith has an enviable view of the current media landscape.

From Digiday

So regardless of the health of Newsom’s own political career, he has the enviable — and extremely rare — opportunity to shape California politics for years to come.

From FiveThirtyEight

Moreover, by showcasing that skill while under lockdown, Swift was only further emphasizing her enviable work ethic.

From Vox

For any company that finds itself in the enviable position of being ahead of the curve at the moment, it’s critical to capitalize on the opportunity and plan for long-term success, especially during this unprecedented and volatile period.

From Digiday

In general, there has been a backlash against the perceived elites, those in power, who have had enviable quarantines — and lives.

From Digiday

Which makes her all that much more enviable—we were already jonesing after her killer career.

From The Daily Beast

Whole Foods has an enviable stomach- and wallet-share among consumers of high-end grocers.

From The Daily Beast

A god is an enviable creature who is more than you could ever be.

From The Daily Beast

The quartet seems to be dealing with their respective emotional turmoil with enviable zippy wit.

From The Daily Beast

A political novice—this is her first elective office—she brings an enviable track record of succeeding against great odds.

From The Daily Beast

Are they not an indication of happiness, and is not that an enviable possession?

From Project Gutenberg

Bear in mind that the reputation of being the "late Mr. Smith" is not enviable.

From Project Gutenberg

Why then, my friend, should you not possess this enviable blessing?

From Project Gutenberg

Well, I am not going to deny that it is a privilege—a most enviable one.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor was the finishing of their testimony, in the eyes of the world, enviable.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advantageous
• desirable
• excellent
• privileged

More About Enviable

What does enviable mean?

Enviable means very desirable. It’s especially used to describe things that a person has and that other people want—or a person that other people want to be like.

In other words, enviable means worthy of or likely to cause envy—a feeling of desire for something that someone else has and you do not. Envy is also a verb meaning to have feelings of envy toward someone, and enviable is formed from this verb.

Envy is not a good feeling—it can be described as a mix of admiration and discontent. Enviable is often used to describe things that are so good that other people will naturally want them (and might even get a little envious or jealous).

The opposite of enviable is unenviable, which is typically used to describe tasks or positions that no one wants, as in He was given the unenviable task of making sure everyone paid on time. 

Example: It’s an enviable position, with a lot of perks, so naturally we have many applicants.

Where does enviable come from?

The first records of the word enviable come from around 1600. Its base word, envy, comes from the Latin invidia, a derivative of the Latin verb invidēre, meaning “to envy” or, more poetically, “to eye maliciously.”

Something that’s enviable, such as a person’s qualities or possessions, is something that others are eyeing, especially when they are better or more plentiful. Success is enviable. Wealth is enviable. Good hair is enviable. Having something or being in a position that’s enviable means that other people will want what you have.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to enviable?

• enviably (adverb)
• unenviable (adjective)
• unenviably (adverb)
• envy (noun)

What are some synonyms for enviable?

• desirable

What are some words that share a root or word element with enviable? 

• envious
• invidious

What are some words that often get used in discussing enviable?

• task
• position
• quality
• success
• want
• desire
• covet
• jealous

How is enviable used in real life?

Enviable is commonly used to describe desirable tasks, positions, or personal qualities.

“…having an enviable career is one thing, and being a happy person is another. Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement." pic.twitter.com/3NSKRmxGKr

— Chuba Ezekwesili (@ChubaEzeks) June 15, 2020

Why the Mets have one of the most enviable DH situations of any NL team. (Hint: It's not just Yoenis Céspedes.)https://t.co/ZBKJiHwKWz

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 24, 2020

A few of the most aspirational and enviable of our annual feathered visitors, who have migrated back into town as we isolate in our homes. https://t.co/BfSkdKBOtg

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) July 18, 2020

 

 

Try using enviable!

Is enviable used correctly in the following sentence?

Her considerable skill is enviable for anyone who even dabbles in music.