livability

or live·a·bil·i·ty

[ liv-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality or fact of being suitable for living in:

   A bike-friendly community scores high in livability, which can help attract companies to settle in your area.

2. the quality or fact of being endurable or worth living:

   Attempted suicides who feel they’ve been spared for a reason—does this say something profound about the innate livability and worth of life?

Other Words From

• un·liv·a·bil·ity un·liv·a·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of livability¹

liv(e) ¹( def ) + -ability ( def )

Example Sentences

Author Annie Kelly and photographer Tim Street-Porter have chosen homes featuring both high design and high livability.

From Los Angeles Times

The LABarometer survey on livability and affordability is an annual poll that selects from a demographically representative online panel of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Its goals are broad and sorted into six groups: safety, equity, climate, mobility, livability and maintenance.

From Seattle Times

That’s according to a 2024 list by personal finance website Money, which considered basic livability factors like affordability, good schools and strong job markets, as well as “places with a palpable spirit, nurtured and sustained by engaged citizens and receptive public officials.”

From Seattle Times

We must keep that promise and maintain those critical investments to address our housing needs and ensure livability.

From Seattle Times