vermeidlich

Vermeidlich is a German adjective meaning "avoidable" or "preventable." It describes things that can be prevented or avoided by actions, planning, or conditions. The term is often used in formal or technical contexts and stands opposite to unvermeidlich, meaning "inevitable" or "unavoidable."

Etymology and related forms: Vermeidlich is formed from the verb vermeiden (to avoid) with the suffix -lich. Related nouns include Vermeidbarkeit (avoidability) and Vermeidlichkeit (often used to express the tendency or degree of avoidability in a more abstract sense).

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, the form vermeidbar is frequently used and may be preferred for indicating that something can be avoided. Vermeidlich tends to appear in more formal, legal, or theoretical contexts. The pair is similar to the distinction between "avoidable" and "unavoidable" in English, with unvermeidlich clearly marking inevitability.

Common contexts: Vermeidlich/Vermeidbarkeit is common in risk assessments, health and safety discussions, economics, law, and project management. Typical collocations include vermeidbare Kosten (avoidable costs), vermeidbare Fehler (preventable mistakes), and vermeidbare Risiken (preventable risks). In some texts, especially philosophical or analytical ones, Vermeidlichkeit can be used to discuss the abstract quality of avoidability.

Examples:

- Die Kosten gelten als vermeidlich, da sie durch frühzeitige Maßnahmen hätten verhindert werden können.

- In der Qualitätskontrolle werden vermeidbare Fehler gezielt reduziert.