WordGarden.ioavailable
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /əvˈeɪləbəl/
US
- /əˈveɪləbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be obtained, used, or accessed
free to work, meet, talk, or be scheduled
not in a committed romantic relationship; open to dating
More meaningsFewer meanings
operational and reachable as a computer system or online service
Beyond the definition
Something that's available is ready for use, able to be obtained, or simply free. Think of it like a delicious apple on a tree—once ripe, it's available to pick. Or maybe your favorite teacher is available after school for extra help; it means they have the time and willingness to assist you.
Availability often relates to resources—are tickets available for the concert? Does the library have that book available to borrow? But it can also describe a person's state: "Are you available to chat?" meaning, do you have the time right now? Sometimes, being available means simply being open to new ideas or experiences. A smart detective might say they are "available" for any case, meaning they can take it on.
The word available describes something that is ready and accessible for use, purchase, or participation. It implies a state of readiness and the absence of obstacles preventing someone from obtaining or using it. For example: "There were no seats available on the train," meaning all the seats were already occupied.
Availability can refer to physical things like products in a store ("We have several colors available"), services offered ("The doctor is available for appointments next week"), or resources that can be used ("Funding is now available for research projects"). It's often tied to time—"I'm available on Tuesday afternoons" means you are free during those hours.
However, available isn't always about tangible things. You might say someone is "emotionally available," meaning they are open to forming a close relationship. Or that an idea is "available for discussion," suggesting it's open to consideration and debate.
The concept of availability also plays a role in technology. A website might be "unavailable" due to maintenance, or a feature may not be "currently available" in a software program.
So, whether you're checking if a product is in stock, asking about someone's schedule, or describing their openness to connection—available signifies readiness, accessibility, and the potential for use or engagement.
Examples
- 1
Help request
Is anyone available to help me move this sofa this afternoon?
- 2
Scheduling
I'm available on Thursday, but Friday is already full.
- 3
Medical appointment
The doctor won't be available until after lunch.
- 4
App feature
This feature is only available in the paid version of the app.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Online document
The report is available online as a free PDF.
- 6
Ticket purchase
Tickets are available from the box office or on the festival website.
- Patternavailable from + source
can be obtained from that place or person
- 7
Student services
These services are available to all students, not just first-years.
- Patternavailable to + person/group
can be used by that person or group
- 8
Making time
I can make myself available for a quick call after 3:00.
- Phrasemake yourself available
arrange your time so you can meet or help
See also
Similar
- accessible
- obtainable
- on hand
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- available options
- available now
- make available
- available to download
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- availableadjective