abatable

Abatable is an adjective describing something that can be abated—reduced, eliminated, or mitigated. The term is used in law, public policy, and technical contexts to indicate that a burden or problem is not permanent and can be addressed through action. Its etymology traces to the verb abate, from Old French abatre, with the suffix -able.

In environmental policy, abatable pollution or emissions are those that can be reduced through control technologies, cleaner processes, or regulatory measures. Abatement may involve measures such as air and water pollution controls, waste cleanup, energy efficiency improvements, or emissions reductions programs. In nuisance and civil law, abatable nuisances are conditions that authorities or property owners can remedy, for example by removal, mitigation, or remediation under a court order or regulatory authority. In housing and safety regulation, unsafe structures or hazards may be deemed abatable to protect public health and safety.

Tax policy also uses the related term abatement, referring to reductions or exemptions that lower a tax burden. An item or location may qualify for a tax abatement if it meets criteria set by government authorities, often to encourage development, rehabilitation, or investment. Abatable is thus most often found in formal or technical writing rather than everyday speech.

See also: abatement, nuisance abatement, tax abatement, environmental abatement.