What does reproducible mean?
Reproducible describes something that can be produced or performed again so that the result closely matches the original outcome. The term is especially important in science, statistics, technology, and quality control, where findings gain credibility when independent researchers or standardized procedures can recreate them. A reproducible experiment does not merely allow an action to be repeated; it should generate consistent results when the same materials, methods, and conditions are used. The related noun reproducibility names the quality of being capable of such repetition. In everyday use, the word can also describe processes, builds, outcomes, and creative work that can be reliably recreated. Although repeatable is sometimes used as a simpler alternative, reproducible places greater emphasis on the consistency of the result rather than merely the ability to perform the action again.
adjectiveAble to be produced or performed again in the same way, with the same or a closely corresponding result.
- Able to be recreated with the same or a closely corresponding result.
- Capable of being made again through the same process or procedure.
"The researchers published the protocol so that other laboratories could test whether the findings were reproducible."
"The laboratory documented each step to ensure that the experiment was reproducible."
"Software releases are reproducible when identical source code consistently produces the same build."
A striking scientific claim becomes far more convincing when another team can reproduce the result.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reproducible come from?
Reproducible was formed in the early 19th century from reproduce plus the suffix -ible, meaning “able to be.” Reproduce derives from Latin reproducere, formed from re- “again” and producere “bring forth, produce.” The same Latin root underlies related English words including produce, product, production, and productive.
Related word forms
How reproducible is actually used
The word is common in scientific, academic, statistical, and technical contexts. It is often used attributively before words such as results, findings, experiment, and process.
Easily confused with reproducible
Repeatable means capable of being done or said again, while reproducible more specifically emphasizes obtaining the same result from the same procedure.
Reproducible focuses on whether results or outcomes can be recreated, whereas repeatable may simply mean that an action can be repeated without implying that it will produce identical results.