Applicability: meaning, definitions and examples

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applicability

 

[ ˌæplɪkəˈbɪləti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in decision making

The quality of being relevant or suitable in a particular situation or for a particular purpose. It is the degree to which something is appropriate or fitting.

Synonyms

pertinence, relevance, suitability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
applicability

Used when talking about how a rule, law, or concept can be applied to a particular situation or context.

  • The applicability of the new law to small businesses is still under debate
  • We need to assess the applicability of these theories to our current project
relevance

Commonly used to indicate how closely something is related to the current topic or issue. It often assesses the importance or significance of information.

  • His experience in marketing is of great relevance to the new project
  • The relevance of this study to our research cannot be underestimated
suitability

Used to describe how well something fits or is appropriate for a specific purpose or situation.

  • We need to evaluate the suitability of this candidate for the job
  • The suitability of this material for outdoor use makes it a great choice
pertinence

Used when referring to the direct relation of something to the matter at hand, often highlighting the importance of the connection.

  • The pertinence of her comment to the ongoing discussion was immediately recognized
  • He questioned the pertinence of those statistics in the current financial analysis

Examples of usage

  • The applicability of this theory in real-life situations is questionable.
  • The research findings have limited applicability in other contexts.
Context #2 | Noun

in law or regulations

The ability of a law, rule, or regulation to be applied to a specific case or situation. It refers to the extent to which a legal principle can be used in practice.

Synonyms

applicableness, pertinency, relevance.

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Word Description / Examples
applicability

Used when considering if something is suitable or appropriate for a particular situation or purpose.

  • The applicability of these rules in modern society is often debated.
  • You must check the applicability of the warranty before making a claim.
applicableness

A more abstract form of 'applicability,' generally used in more formal or academic writing.

  • The applicableness of this concept has been widely acknowledged in scholarly articles.
  • There is much debate about the applicableness of this principle in different cultures.
relevance

Used more broadly to determine how closely related or applicable something is to the current topic or situation.

  • We should consider the relevance of these findings to our current project.
  • The relevance of his comments was questioned during the meeting.
pertinency

Used to determine how something is relevant or applicable to the matter at hand, often in discussions or arguments.

  • The lawyer questioned the pertinency of the evidence presented.
  • In this context, the pertinency of historical data cannot be overlooked.

Examples of usage

  • The court considered the applicability of the new regulation to the case at hand.
  • The lawyer argued for the applicability of a precedent in this scenario.
Context #3 | Noun

in technology

The suitability or relevance of a technology, software, or system to a particular task or problem. It is the extent to which a solution can be used effectively.

Synonyms

relevance, suitability, utility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
applicability

Use when discussing whether a concept, rule, or law is relevant or can be applied to a specific situation.

  • The applicability of this policy to small businesses is under review
relevance

Focus on how closely related or connected something is to the matter at hand. Emphasize the importance or pertinence.

  • The relevance of his research to the current climate crisis is undeniable
utility

Emphasize the practical usefulness or functionality of an object, tool, or concept.

  • The utility of this software in streamlining our workflow cannot be overstated
suitability

Typically used to describe whether something or someone is appropriate or fits well for a specific purpose or role.

  • Her suitability for the role of team leader was clear from her experience and skills

Examples of usage

  • The applicability of the new software to our workflow needs to be assessed.
  • We need to evaluate the applicability of this technology in our industry.

Translations

Translations of the word "applicability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aplicabilidade

🇮🇳 लागू होने की क्षमता

🇩🇪 Anwendbarkeit

🇮🇩 keterapan

🇺🇦 застосовність

🇵🇱 zastosowalność

🇯🇵 適用性(てきようせい)

🇫🇷 applicabilité

🇪🇸 aplicabilidad

🇹🇷 uygulanabilirlik

🇰🇷 적용성

🇸🇦 قابلية التطبيق

🇨🇿 aplikovatelnost

🇸🇰 použiteľnosť

🇨🇳 适用性 (shìyòng xìng)

🇸🇮 uporabnost

🇮🇸 hæfni

🇰🇿 қолданылымдылық

🇬🇪 გამოყენებადობა

🇦🇿 tətbiqolunma

🇲🇽 aplicabilidad

Etymology

The word 'applicability' originated from the Latin word 'applicabilitas', which means 'capability of being applied'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of applicability has been fundamental in various fields such as philosophy, law, and technology, emphasizing the importance of relevance and suitability in different contexts.

See also: appliance, applicable, applicant, applicants, application, applicator, applied, applier, apply, applying, inapplicability, inapplicable, misapplication, misapply.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,084 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.