What does atonable mean?
"Atonable" is a formal adjective describing something — typically an offense, sin, or wrongdoing — that is capable of being atoned for, meaning amends can genuinely be made and moral balance restored. It belongs largely to religious, ethical, and literary registers, appearing far less often in everyday conversation than related terms like "forgivable" or "pardonable." Its connotation is fundamentally hopeful: to call a fault atonable is to insist that it lies within reach of repentance and repair rather than beyond redemption. The word derives from "atone," which itself grew out of the older adverbial phrase "at one," signifying reconciliation or restored unity. Writers use it when weighing the moral seriousness of an act — asserting, for instance, that even grave betrayals may prove atonable through sustained contrition and honest effort. Though uncommon, "atonable" offers a precise way to express the possibility of expiation.
adjectiveCapable of being atoned for; able to be expiated or made amends for.
- Capable of being atoned for; able to be expiated by some act of reparation or penance.
"She believed that even the gravest betrayal was atonable through years of honest service."
"He spent his later years proving that his wartime failures were atonable."
"In her theology, no sincere repentance goes unanswered: every wrong is atonable in time."
The word "atonable" traces back to the old phrase "at one" — so to say a sin is atonable is literally to say it can make you "at one" again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of atonable
"Atonable" is formed from the verb "atone" plus the adjective suffix "-able." "Atone" originated in early modern English from the adverbial phrase "at one," meaning "in agreement" or "reconciled," which was gradually fused into a single word. The noun "atonement" arose from the same source. Thus "atonable" shares its ultimate origin with "one," reflecting a root sense of unity and reconciliation rather than any Latin or Greek stem.
Related word forms
How atonable is actually used
"Atonable" is a rare, formal word, found chiefly in religious, moral-philosophical, and literary writing. It carries a hopeful connotation — implying that redemption is possible. In everyday speech, speakers usually express the idea with phrases like "can be made up for" or "can be forgiven" rather than this adjective.
Easily confused with atonable
"Attainable" means achievable or reachable as a goal, while "atonable" means capable of being atoned for or expiated.
"Abominable" means detestable or loathsome — nearly opposite in connotation to "atonable," which suggests a wrong that can still be made amends for.