Returnable: meaning, definitions and examples

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returnable

 

[rɪˈtɜrnəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

product description

Capable of being returned for a refund, exchange, or credit.

Synonyms

creditable, exchangeable, refundable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
returnable

Mentioned again, it means something can be sent back or given back to where it came from, used generally for both physical items and certain services.

  • Library books are returnable after the borrowing period.
  • The package is returnable if it is unopened.
refundable

Use when describing items or payments that can be reimbursed, usually within a certain timeframe and under certain conditions.

  • The concert tickets are non-refundable.
  • You can get a full refundable deposit when you return the rental equipment.
exchangeable

Appropriate when talking about items or goods that can be traded for similar items, especially in a retail or commercial setting.

  • The gift card is exchangeable for store merchandise.
  • Most of the items in this store are exchangeable within 14 days of purchase.
creditable

Best used to describe something that is worthy of praise or recognition, or when referring to something that counts towards an account or score.

  • The student's research was a creditable effort.
  • These volunteer hours are creditable towards your community service requirement.

Examples of usage

  • The store offers a 30-day returnable policy for all items.
  • This item is returnable within 14 days of purchase.
  • We only accept returnable items with the original receipt.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word is made up of 'return,' which comes from the Latin word 'returnare,' meaning 'to come back'.
  • The suffix '-able' indicates that something can be done, so 'returnable' literally means 'can be returned'.
  • It first appeared in English texts in the late 19th century, expanding the language related to transactions.

Commercial Usage

  • Many retailers have returnable policies allowing customers to bring back products if they are unsatisfied.
  • Returnable containers are part of sustainability practices, promoting recycling and reducing waste.
  • In the rental industry, items like cars or equipment are often returnable, emphasizing the service model over ownership.

Environmental Impact

  • Using returnable materials reduces landfill waste and encourages a circular economy.
  • Returnable packaging systems can save companies money while promoting eco-friendliness.
  • Many breweries and soft drink companies have returnable bottle programs to minimize environmental impacts.

Linguistics

  • Similar words include 'non-returnable,' which refers to items that cannot be brought back after purchase or use.
  • Understanding prefixes and suffixes can help decipher meanings of words, like 'returnable' indicating something's ability to go back.
  • In legal contexts, terms like 'returnable date' refer to the deadline by which something must be returned in processes.

Psychology

  • The concept of returnability can affect shopping behavior, as customers feel more secure purchasing items they can easily return.
  • Cognitive biases like loss aversion can make people hesitant to buy non-returnable items because they fear losing money.
  • Return policies can influence emotional responses, encouraging trust and satisfaction in the buying experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "returnable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reembolsável

🇮🇳 वापसी योग्य

🇩🇪 rückerstattbar

🇮🇩 dapat dikembalikan

🇺🇦 повертається

🇵🇱 zwrotny

🇯🇵 返金可能

🇫🇷 remboursable

🇪🇸 reembolsable

🇹🇷 iade edilebilir

🇰🇷 환불 가능한

🇸🇦 قابل للاسترداد

🇨🇿 vratný

🇸🇰 vratný

🇨🇳 可退还

🇸🇮 vrnljiv

🇮🇸 endurgreiðanlegt

🇰🇿 қайтарылатын

🇬🇪 დაბრუნებადი

🇦🇿 qaytarılabilir

🇲🇽 reembolsable

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,261, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.