SKIP TO CONTENT

recoverable

/rɪˈkʌvərəbəl/
IPA guide

If something is recoverable, you can get it back. If you drop your eyeglasses over the side of the boat, but the water is crystal clear and somebody is willing to dive for them, they may be recoverable.

Economists use the term “recoverable resources” to refer to oil, gas, and coal that can be extracted from the earth economically. If you've just insulated the walls of your house and replaced the old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones, some of your costs may be recoverable through savings on your heating bills and tax refunds for energy efficiency. If you delete something by mistake on your computer, you'll be very relieved if you find it's recoverable.

Definitions of recoverable
  1. adjective
    capable of being recovered or regained
    recoverable truth of a past event”
    synonyms:
    redeemable
    recoverable upon payment or fulfilling a condition
    retrievable
    capable of being regained especially with effort
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    unrecoverable
    incapable of being recovered or regained
    irretrievable, unretrievable
    impossible to recover or recoup or overcome
    lost
    incapable of being recovered or regained
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘recoverable'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family