Avoidable: meaning, definitions and examples

When describing something that does not have to happen if precautions are taken.

• The error was completely avoidable with proper oversight.
• Getting sick during the trip was avoidable with better hygiene.

Used when something can be stopped from happening, particularly in health, safety, and risk management contexts.

• Heart disease is largely preventable with a healthy lifestyle.
• Flood damage is preventable with proper infrastructure.

Less commonly used, but it means something that can be prevented or avoided. Often found in more formal or written contexts.

• The crisis was evitable if proper measures were taken in advance.
• Many diseases are evitable with vaccinations.

When something is not needed and can be avoided because it is not essential; often has a negative connotation implying waste or imprudence.

• The extra costs were unnecessary and could have been avoided.
• He made an unnecessary comment that upset everyone.

Used when referring to something that can be prevented or kept from happening, typically in the context of mistakes, accidents, or problems.

• This accident was completely avoidable if the right safety measures were in place.
• Many health issues are avoidable with a proper diet and regular exercise.

Used when discussing measures taken to stop something from happening, often used in health, safety, and crime contexts.

• Prevention of the spread of diseases requires vaccination and good hygiene practices.
• The community placed a strong emphasis on crime prevention strategies.

Refers to the act of completely removing something, often used in processes, competitions, or addressing issues.

• The elimination of pests from the house required professional help.
• With higher votes, the contestant avoided elimination from the show.

Used to describe the possibility of avoiding something, generally in more formal or technical discussions about risks and control measures.

• The evitability of such disasters should be a major concern for policy makers.
• Assessing the evitability of errors in the process can help in improving efficiency.