What does desirable mean?
"Desirable" is an adjective describing something that is worth having, wanting, or achieving — whether because it is attractive, advantageous, or simply pleasant. A desirable neighborhood, job candidate, or outcome is one people actively seek out or hope for. The word carries a broadly positive connotation and appears frequently in contexts like real estate, hiring, product design, and public policy, where it signals value or appeal without overstating it: calling something desirable suggests genuine merit rather than hype. It derives from the Latin "desiderare," meaning to long for or wish for, entering English through Old French "desirer." Related forms include the noun "desirability" and the negative "undesirable." Because it works equally well in formal reports and casual conversation, "desirable" is a versatile word for expressing that something is not merely acceptable but genuinely worth pursuing.
adjectiveWorth having or wanting; attractive or advantageous. In real estate and planning, it can also describe something that is advisable or to be sought after.
- Worth having or seeking; attractive or appealing.
- Advantageous or beneficial in practical terms; advisable to obtain.
"The apartment has a desirable location just steps from the waterfront."
"She landed a highly desirable corner office with views of the park."
"Reducing energy waste is a desirable goal for any modern building."
In property listings, "desirable" is one of the most abused words in the English language — agents have used it to describe everything from penthouses to parking spots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of desirable
"Desirable" comes from the Old French "desirable" and ultimately from the Latin verb "desiderare," meaning to long for or wish for something absent. It entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century, alongside related words such as "desire" and "desirous." The same Latin root also gives us "desideratum," a formal noun for something wanted or needed.
Related word forms
How desirable is actually used
Neutral to positive in register, suitable for both formal and everyday use. Very common in real estate, recruitment, and policy language. The comparative "more desirable" is preferred over the heavier "desirabler," which does not exist.
Easily confused with desirable
"Desirable" describes something worth wanting, while "desirous" describes a person who wants something (as in "desirous of change").