What does applaudable mean?
Applaudable is an adjective used to describe actions, efforts, performances, or conduct that merit praise and approval — literally, things worthy of applause. It derives from the verb applaud, which traces back through Latin applaudere, meaning to strike together in approval, ultimately from plaudere, to clap. In modern usage, applaudable conveys warm, genuine commendation rather than cold formality: a charity worker's tireless fundraising might be described as applaudable, as might a student's determined improvement or an athlete's sportsmanship. It sits alongside close synonyms such as praiseworthy, commendable, laudable, and admirable, though it tends to sound slightly more enthusiastic, suggesting the subject has earned not just acknowledgment but an actual round of clapping. The word is well established in both British and American English and works naturally in journalism, reviews, awards citations, and everyday conversation. Its antonyms include blameworthy and reprehensible, marking the opposite pole of moral and practical judgment.
adjectiveWorthy of praise or approval; deserving applause or commendation.
- Deserving of praise, approval, or commendation for one's actions, conduct, or achievements.
"Her applaudable efforts to clean up the river earned her a civic award."
"The committee noted the applaudable way he handled the difficult negotiations."
"Critics called the young actress's debut performance genuinely applaudable."
Applaudable literally means 'clap-worthy' — it's the word for anything so good it practically begs for a round of applause.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of applaudable
Applaudable comes from the verb applaud, which entered English from Latin applaudere, formed from ad- (toward) plus plaudere (to clap or strike together), the same root that gives us explode (originally 'to drive off stage by clapping') and plaudit. The adjective form, meaning worthy of applause, developed in English by regular derivation from the verb. It shares this Latin root with related words such as applause, plaudit, and explosive.
How applaudable is actually used
Applaudable is somewhat less common than its close synonyms praiseworthy and commendable, and it carries a slightly warmer, more enthusiastic tone — evoking actual applause rather than mere formal approval. It is used in both formal and informal contexts and appears in British and American English alike. It is almost always used attributively or predicatively to describe actions, efforts, performances, or conduct rather than objects.
Easily confused with applaudable
Applause is the noun referring to the act of clapping in approval, whereas applaudable is an adjective describing something that deserves such approval.
Applaud is a verb meaning to clap or express approval, while applaudable is an adjective describing something worthy of that approval.