What does prizable mean?
Prizable is an adjective meaning worthy of a prize, award, or formal recognition. It describes something that judges or selectors might consider an especially valuable candidate for distinction, such as an exceptional literary work, a notable scientific achievement, or an unusually promising submission. The word is more evaluative than “prize-winning”: being prizable does not mean that an award has actually been received, only that the subject is regarded as deserving of one. It is consequently formal and relatively uncommon in everyday conversation. Prizable is also easily confused in print with sizable, but the words have quite different meanings: prizable concerns merit or award-worthiness, while sizable concerns physical or numerical magnitude. The form is especially associated with British usage, though it is understood and occasionally used in American English as well.
adjectiveCapable of being awarded a prize; worthy of recognition or a monetary reward.
- Worthy of receiving a prize or award; eligible for prize consideration.
"Her experimental novel was so innovative that the judges considered it prizable."
"The jury recognized the documentary as the most prizable work submitted that year."
"The committee divided the exhibition into works it considered commercially successful and works it considered prizable."
Prizable is not sizable: it describes something worthy of an award, not something large.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prizable come from?
Prizable was formed within English by combining prize with the suffix -able, meaning “capable or worthy of being” something. The noun prize comes through Old French prise from Latin pretium, meaning “price” or “reward”; the adjective thus carries the sense of being fit to receive a reward.
How prizable is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It is often used in literary, artistic, or competitive contexts to describe a person, work, achievement, or submission that merits recognition.
Easily confused with prizable
Prizable means worthy of a prize or award, whereas sizable means large in size.