What does laudable mean?
Laudable is an adjective meaning worthy of praise or approval. It is used when an action, decision, quality, or achievement merits commendation because it is ethically sound, useful, or responsibly conducted. The word often appears in formal and professional contexts, as in “a laudable effort to reduce waste,” but it is also understood in ordinary discussion. Its force lies in the contrast it draws: it does not merely say that something is acceptable, but identifies it as deserving positive recognition. Laudable usually conveys approval rather than admiration or astonishment, so it is well suited to describing sound conduct, useful initiatives, and principled choices without overstating their importance. The term can occasionally sound a little formal or institutional, but remains broadly accepted in British and American English. Although it is positive by definition, “highly laudable” and “wholly laudable” can emphasize the degree of approval, while a phrase such as “laudable in intent” may narrow the praise to motivation or purpose. Its familiar root is also visible in related words such as laud, laudation, and laudatory, all of which revolve around praise. The word is especially useful when commendation is intended but stronger praise such as “heroic” or “brilliant” would be excessive.
adjectiveDeserving of praise or commendation; commendable.
- Deserving of praise, approval, or commendation.
"Her laudable restraint prevented the disagreement from becoming a public dispute."
"Her laudable restraint prevented the disagreement from becoming a public dispute."
"The committee praised the team's laudable commitment to making the archive accessible."
Laudable literally means “praise-worthy,” putting praise and worthiness in one word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laudable come from?
Laudable comes from Latin laudabilis, meaning “praiseworthy,” formed from laudare (“to praise”) and the suffix -abilis (“able to be” or “worthy of being”). The word entered English in the early 17th century, ultimately deriving from Latin. Its relatives laud, laudation, and laudatory preserve the same root and the shared sense of expressing approval.
Related word forms
How laudable is actually used
Formal to neutral in register and common in professional, institutional, and evaluative writing. It offers clear approval without necessarily implying that something is outstanding; it is stronger than merely calling something acceptable but usually less emphatic than “admirable” or “brilliant.” There are no significant British and American differences.
Easily confused with laudable
Laud is a verb meaning to praise someone or something, whereas laudable is an adjective describing something that deserves praise.