What does rewardable mean?
Rewardable is an adjective meaning worthy of a reward or eligible to receive one. Its two common uses overlap: it can characterize an act as deserving recognition, or it can identify conduct, service, or an offence for which a payment or other benefit may be available. The word is especially associated with formal and legal contexts, particularly in British English, where “rewardable offence” is a recognized phrase, although the adjective also appears in American English. In general prose, “rewardable” often sounds more institutional than “praiseworthy” or “commendable,” which are natural alternatives when describing admirable conduct. Using it nevertheless gives a precise emphasis: something is not merely pleasant or helpful but potentially eligible for tangible acknowledgment. That distinction makes “rewardable” useful in policies, rules, reports, and discussions of incentives. Its formation also joins a Germanic base meaning reward with the Latin-derived suffix “-able,” a useful reminder that English compounds often combine elements from different languages.
adjectiveDeserving of a reward or recognition; capable of being rewarded. It is especially used of conduct, service, or offences for which a reward may be available.
- Deserving of a reward or recognition; capable of being rewarded.
"The rescue team's heroism was rewardable, and several members received medals."
"The court treated the witness's assistance as rewardable conduct."
"Under the scheme, people who provide information about a rewardable offence may qualify for a payment."
Rewardable joins two linguistic worlds: reward, a Germanic word, with the Latin-derived suffix -able, meaning “capable of” or “liable to.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rewardable come from?
Rewardable was formed in English by adding the Latin-derived suffix -able to reward. Reward entered Middle English from Anglo-French forms meaning “reward” and “to reward,” ultimately associated with re- and warder, meaning to guard or keep watch. The same Germanic root lies behind cognates including award, regard, and guard.
How rewardable is actually used
Formal and specialized, especially common in legal, institutional, and policy contexts. It is somewhat more typical of British English, although it is also used in American English.
Easily confused with rewardable
Reward is the noun or verb naming the payment or act of acknowledgment, whereas rewardable is the adjective describing something that may receive such acknowledgment.