WordGarden.iocontactable
Pronunciation
UK
- /kɒntˈæktəbəl/
US
Meanings
Adjective
able to be reached by phone, email, or another form of communication
Beyond the definition
If someone is contactable, it means you can get in touch with them—whether by phone, email, social media, or other means. Think of a doctor who is "on call"—they are contactable for emergencies even outside of normal office hours. It implies both a willingness and an ability to respond. A ghost, however, is notoriously difficult to contact!
The word suggests more than just having contact information; it hints that the person is likely to reply. You might list your work email on your resume, but say you are "contactable during business hours." This sets expectations for when someone can reasonably expect a reply. It's often used in professional contexts—such as job applications, freelance work, and emergency services—where being reachable is vital.
To be contactable means to be able and willing to be reached. It goes beyond simply having contact details; it implies accessibility and a reasonable expectation of a response. Imagine you're organizing a surprise party—you need guests who are reliably contactable so you can coordinate the details!
The term is frequently used in professional settings, particularly when discussing availability for work or emergencies. A freelancer might advertise themselves as "contactable via email and phone," indicating their preferred methods of communication. Job postings often specify if a candidate needs to be "immediately contactable" after submitting an application.
However, "contactable" isn't limited to formal situations. You might tell a friend you'll be "contactable all day" if you're planning to be out and about with your phone on you. Increasingly, it's used in the context of digital communication—are they contactable through WhatsApp? Do they regularly check their LinkedIn messages?
Interestingly, the rise of constant connectivity has also led to discussions about boundaries around contactability. Many people now actively manage when and how they are available, pushing back against the expectation of being reachable 24/7. So, while "contactable" traditionally meant being readily accessible, it has also become a point of negotiation in our increasingly connected world.
Examples
- 1
Phone number
I'll be contactable on this number until Friday.
- 2
Communication method
While we were hiking, we weren't always contactable by phone.
- Patterncontactable by phone/email
possible to reach using that method
- 3
Job requirement
The job ad says applicants must be contactable outside normal office hours.
See also
Similar
- reachable
- accessible
- available
Shades of meaning
- on call
- responsive
- easy to reach
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- contactable by phone
- remain contactable
- easily contactable
- contactable at all times
Word family
- contact
- contactability
Explore
- communication availability
- emergency contact
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- contactableadjective