What does remediable mean?
Remediable is an adjective meaning that something can be put right, corrected, or repaired. It is commonly used for problems, defects, errors, injuries, or forms of harm that do not require permanent acceptance as part of life. The expression easily remediable, for example, suggests that a difficulty is minor or correctable through straightforward action. In legal and technical writing, the term can distinguish recoverable damage from harm that is impossible to undo. Its meaning is usually straightforward, but it can carry the connotation that a solution exists, even if finding or applying it may be difficult. The word is more formal than the everyday alternatives fixable or repairable and is especially useful when discussing remedies, corrections, and the possibility of restoring a previous condition.
adjectiveCapable of being remedied or put right; repairable or capable of correction.
- Able to be remedied, corrected, or repaired.
"The damage was slight and therefore easily remediable."
"The report identified several easily remediable errors in the procedure."
"Environmental damage of this kind is not readily remediable once it has occurred."
Remediable comes from the same Latin root as remedy: both point to the possibility of making something right again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remediable come from?
Remediable entered English in the early 17th century from the late Latin form remediabilis, meaning “remediable.” It derives from Latin remediāre, “to remedy or cure,” which is based on remedium, “remedy” or “cure,” ultimately connected with mederi, “to heal.” English remedy, remedial, and remediate belong to the same established Latin word family.
Related word forms
How remediable is actually used
The word has a formal, often legal or technical register. It is more common in carefully written contexts than in everyday speech.
Easily confused with remediable
A remediable problem can be corrected or put right, whereas an irremediable problem cannot.