allowable

adjective

al·​low·​able ə-ˈlau̇-ə-bəl How to pronounce allowable (audio)
: permissible
allowable income tax deductions
allowably adverb

Examples of allowable in a Sentence

international travel without a passport isn't allowable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ensuring that each relationship adheres to state-specific regulations—on everything from the number of allowable supervisees to the meeting and chart review requirements—can be a full-time operational challenge. Jesse Corn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 The Senate, unfortunately, included a provision in their version of the legislation that reduced the allowable deduction to 90%, creating an overly punitive tax on gambling. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 And the shifts required under Prop. 1 require cutting or reconfiguring some $120 million in active programming to comply with the new funding categories and allowable uses (more details on that in a minute). Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 11 June 2025 The list of allowable activities was more extensive prior to the pause. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for allowable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alowable, allowable "proper, admissible," borrowed from Anglo-French alouable, from aluer, aloer "to accept as legally valid, permit" + -able -able — more at allow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allowable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Allowable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allowable. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on allowable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!