What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avoidable
Example
This accident was completely avoidable if the driver had been more careful. [avoidable: adjective]
Example
She tried to avoidable eye contact with her ex-boyfriend at the party. [avoidable: noun]
preventable
Example
Many diseases are preventable through vaccination and good hygiene practices. [preventable: adjective]
Example
The fire in the building could have been preventable if the smoke alarms were working. [preventable: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preventable is more commonly used than avoidable in everyday language. Preventable is often used in discussions about health, safety, and avoiding negative outcomes. On the other hand, avoidable is less common but can still be used in various contexts to describe actions or situations that could have been avoided.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between avoidable and preventable?
Both avoidable and preventable are generally considered formal words. However, preventable is more commonly used in technical or professional contexts, such as healthcare or safety discussions, while avoidable can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
