What does considerable mean?
Considerable is an adjective meaning notably large in amount, extent, or degree. It is used to describe quantities, efforts, periods of time, or qualities that are substantial enough to warrant attention, as in 'a considerable improvement' or 'considerable expense'. The word sits comfortably between neutral and formal registers, making it a staple of journalism, academic writing, and business communication where precision matters more than drama. Unlike 'huge' or 'enormous', considerable implies importance rather than sheer physical bulk, and it usually modifies abstract or mass nouns such as effort, time, difficulty, or influence. It should not be confused with its near-homophone 'considerate', which describes thoughtfulness toward others. Both words descend from the Latin verb considerare, meaning to examine carefully, so considerable originally carried the sense of something worth considering because of its weight or significance. It remains a precise, versatile choice for writers who want to signal magnitude without hyperbole.
adjectiveNotably large in amount, extent, or degree; worthy of attention or respect because of its size or importance.
- Large in amount, size, or degree — the dominant sense in modern usage.
"The renovation required a considerable investment of both time and money."
"She showed considerable skill in negotiating the contract."
"The project consumed a considerable portion of the annual budget."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of considerable
Considerable derives from the Latin verb considerare, meaning 'to examine closely' or 'to regard attentively'. The adjective entered English in the late sixteenth century, first carrying the sense 'worthy of consideration' before shifting to mean 'large enough to be significant' by the seventeenth century. It shares this root with consider, consideration, and considerate, all of which trace back through Old French considérer.
How considerable is actually used
Considerable is formal to neutral in register and appears frequently in written English, especially journalism, academic prose, and business writing. It typically modifies abstract or mass nouns (amount, effort, time, difficulty) rather than countable individual objects. It carries a mildly positive connotation of importance without exaggeration.
Easily confused with considerable
'Considerable' means large in amount or degree, while 'considerate' means thoughtful and careful not to inconvenience others.