What does enticeable mean?
Enticeable is an adjective describing someone or something that can be enticed — that is, tempted, lured, or won over by the promise of pleasure, profit, or advantage. It is formed from the verb 'entice' plus the suffix '-able', following the productive English pattern seen in words like 'believable' or 'manageable'. The term is comparatively rare and leans formal or literary; everyday conversation tends to favour expressions such as 'easily tempted' or 'open to persuasion'. Its connotations are largely neutral, though context can shade it either way: an 'enticeable' customer is simply receptive to a good offer, while an 'enticeable' official may hint at susceptibility to bribery. The word proves most useful precisely because it names the other side of the transaction — where 'enticing' characterises the bait, 'enticeable' characterises the one being drawn toward it, capturing the quiet fact that every lure presupposes someone willing to follow.
adjectiveCapable of being enticed, tempted, or lured by persuasion or the promise of reward.
- Capable of being persuaded, tempted, or lured by an offer, promise, or attraction.
"Even the most disciplined shopper proved enticeable when the bakery's window filled with fresh pastries."
"The recruiters quickly learned that recent graduates were far more enticeable with flexible hours than with bonuses."
"He liked to believe he was immune to advertising, yet he remained hopelessly enticeable whenever a new gadget went on sale."
Rare enough to stump most spellcheckers, 'enticeable' is proof that even temptation needs a willing target — some people simply can't be lured, and English finally gave them a word for it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enticeable
Enticeable derives from the verb 'entice', which entered English from Old French 'enticier', likely rooted in Vulgar Latin forms related to Latin 'titiō' (firebrand) via the notion of setting alight or provoking. The suffix '-able', borrowed through Old French from Latin '-abilis', marks capacity or susceptibility. Formed on this pattern, 'enticeable' means literally 'able to be enticed'. Related words sharing the same root include 'enticement', 'enticing', and, more distantly, terms such as 'incite' that descend from similar Latin provocation verbs.
How enticeable is actually used
A relatively rare, formal-sounding derivative of 'entice'; in everyday speech speakers more often use phrases like 'easily tempted' or 'susceptible to temptation'. The word carries no strong negative connotation — it simply denotes susceptibility to persuasion.
Easily confused with enticeable
Excitable means easily stirred to emotion or excitement, while enticeable means easily tempted or lured by an offer or inducement.
Enticing describes something that tempts others (the bait), whereas enticeable describes someone who can be tempted (the target).