considerable
Americanadjective
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rather large or great in size, distance, extent, etc..
It cost a considerable amount. We took a considerable length of time to decide.
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worthy of respect, attention, etc.; important; distinguished.
a considerable person.
noun
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Informal. much; not a little.
He has done considerable for the community.
adverb
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Nonstandard: Older Use. considerably; noticeably; much.
I'm feeling considerable better now.
adjective
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large enough to reckon with
a considerable quantity
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a lot of; much
he had considerable courage
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worthy of respect
a considerable man in the scientific world
Other Word Forms
- considerably adverb
- unconsiderable adjective
- unconsiderably adverb
Etymology
Origin of considerable
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin consīderābilis, from consīderā(re) “to examine” ( consider ) + -bilis -ble
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But over the years, this important framework for our U.S. retirement system has periodically exposed retirement savers to considerable shifts in market and product risks.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
His big-picture challenge for New York is his real uplift — and considerable challenge.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
Two scrolls from the Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead,’ one newly restored, form the breathtaking centerpiece of a show that reveals the considerable art involved in the ancient civilization’s burial rites.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
For owners Simon and Michelle Orange, who have sunk considerable capital into the club, a European run would at least be some return on the season.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
Despite these considerable obstacles, Colored people fought for our rights and took pride in our achievements.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.