desireable

Desireable is an adjective meaning likely to be desired, attractive, or advantageous. It can describe objects, qualities, outcomes, or people who have appeal as a choice or option. The word conveys an evaluative judgment that the thing is worth having or beneficial in some respect.

Etymology and spelling: desireable derives from Latin desiderabilis, via Old French desirabilis. In modern English the standard and most common spelling is desirable. Many style guides treat desireable as nonstandard or archaic, and prefer desirable in contemporary writing.

Usage: Desirable is used in formal and neutral contexts to discuss goals, features, or candidates. It does not inherently express moral approval; rather, it signals appeal, usefulness, or suitability. Distinct terms include desirous, which describes someone who experiences desire, rather than something being desirable.

Common contexts: describing product features (desirable attributes), planning or policy (desirable outcomes), real estate (desirable location), and personnel selection (desirable qualifications). In economics or social science, desirability can be used as a noun to discuss the degree to which outcomes are preferred or sought after.

See also: desirability, desirable traits, the concept of desirability bias. Note that while desireable may appear in some texts, the recommended modern spelling is desirable.