admirable

adjective

ad·​mi·​ra·​ble ˈad-m(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

: deserving the highest esteem : excellent

an admirable achievement

2

obsolete : exciting wonder : surprising

admirability

ˌad-m(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

admirableness

ˈad-m(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs 

noun

admirably

ˈad-m(ə-)rə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• applaudable
• commendable
• creditable
• estimable
• laudable
• meritorious
• praiseworthy

Examples of admirable in a Sentence

Loyalty was her most admirable quality.

it's admirable the way she helps her elderly neighbor with chores and errands every Saturday

Recent Examples on the Web

The antic good humor with which those humans under attack cope is admirable, but we’re reminded this is no joke when one employee’s visiting teenage son is killed. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025

An admirable approach, but the pit was too deep, the opposition too talented. —Christopher Kamrani, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

For you, virtues like kindness, gratitude and humility aren’t just admirable traits, but core principles that guide your life. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Loyalty is an admirable trait but can’t be the primary reason one political leader supports another. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English admyrable, borrowed from Anglo-French admirable, borrowed from Latin admīrābilis, from admīrārī "to admire" + -bilis "capable (of acting or being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

admirable

adjective

ad·​mi·​ra·​ble ˌad-mə-rə-bəl 

-mrə-bəl

: deserving to be admired : excellent

admirableness noun

admirably

-blē 

adverb