laudable

Laudable is an adjective meaning deserving praise or commendable for its merits, actions, or intentions. It conveys approval in a positive, often formal, sense and is commonly used to acknowledge efforts or goals that are praiseworthy even if not perfect. Related forms include laudably (adverb), and laudability or laudableness (nouns). A closely related adjective, laudatory, describes language or content that expresses praise.

Etymology and history: Laudable derives from Latin laudabilis, meaning “worthy of praise,” from laudare, “to praise.” The term entered English through Latin and Old French influences and appears in English texts from the 15th century onward, maintaining a formal, evaluative tone.

Usage and nuance: Laudable is frequently used in ethics, policy discussions, academic writing, and literary prose to commend aims or character without implying flawless execution. Typical collocations include laudable goal, laudable intention, and laudable effort. While strongly positive, laudable does not insist on perfection and can acknowledge structural or practical challenges while praising the underlying aim or virtue.

See also: Related terms include laudatory, laudation, and eulogy. Synonyms include commendable, praiseworthy, and estimable; antonyms include disreputable, blameworthy, and reprehensible. In usage, choosing laudable often signals measured approval that emphasizes moral or practical worth rather than absolute excellence.