Availability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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availability

[əˌveɪləˈbɪləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in technology

The quality of being able to be used or obtained. It refers to the state of being free to be accessed or used, typically in reference to computer systems, software, or services.

Synonyms

accessibility, readiness, usability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
availability

Use when talking about whether something is present or obtainable, especially informational resources, services, or products.

  • The availability of fresh water is crucial for the community.
  • I need to check the availability of the conference room for our meeting.
accessibility

Use when discussing how easily something can be reached, entered, or used, often in terms of design or inclusive practices.

  • The new website design improves accessibility for people with disabilities.
  • The accessibility of public transport significantly affects daily commute times.
readiness

Use when referring to the state of being fully prepared for something, emphasizing the mental or organizational state.

  • Her readiness to take on the new role was evident in the interview.
  • The emergency team is in a state of readiness for any disaster.
usability

Use when discussing how easy and efficient it is to use a product, system, or service, often related to user experience and design.

  • The usability of the new software is amazing; even beginners can navigate it easily.
  • Improving the usability of our app will likely increase customer satisfaction.

Examples of usage

  • Online availability of the new application is crucial for its success.
  • The website experienced downtime, affecting its availability to users.
  • Users expect high availability when it comes to cloud services.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

The state of being present and able to be used or reached. It can refer to the availability of resources, goods, or services.

Synonyms

accessibility, presence, readiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
availability

Use when talking about whether something is obtainable or can be used.

  • The availability of fresh produce in the market varies seasonally.
  • Can you check the availability of this book in the library?
accessibility

Used to discuss how easy it is to reach or use something, often in the context of disability or inclusivity.

  • The accessibility of the building was improved with the installation of an elevator.
  • Digital accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive websites.
presence

Describes the fact that someone or something is in a place or situation.

  • Your presence at the meeting is essential.
  • She felt a strong presence in the room even though she was alone.
readiness

Use when referring to being prepared for something.

  • The troops maintained a state of readiness.
  • Her readiness to help was appreciated by everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The availability of clean water is essential for human survival.
  • We need to ensure the availability of medical supplies in remote areas.
  • The availability of public transportation can impact urban development.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business and Economics

  • In business, availability often refers to resources or products being in stock, affecting supply and demand dynamics.
  • High availability systems in technology ensure that services and resources are constantly accessible to users, crucial for operations.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept of availability can relate to how easily something can be recalled or accessed, influencing decision-making.
  • The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind during problem-solving.

Technology

  • Websites and online services measure availability through uptime, which indicates how often they are operational for users.
  • Cloud computing relies heavily on the availability of data and applications, making it essential for businesses using these services to operate effectively.

Cultural References

  • In pop culture, the phrase 'availability is key' highlights the importance of being present and accessible in relationships.
  • Social media platforms emphasize user availability through statuses and notifications, impacting how people interact daily.

Origin of 'availability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'valere,' which means 'to be strong or valid,' highlighting the idea of something being reliably there.
  • It evolved into Old French as 'availabilite,' leading into English in the 15th century, showing a shift towards accessibility.

The word 'availability' originated from the Latin word 'availabilitas', which is derived from 'availabilis', meaning 'that can be of use'. The concept of availability has been crucial in various fields such as technology, business, and everyday life, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and readiness of resources.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,225, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.