What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retrievable
Example
The lost files are still retrievable from the backup system. [retrievable: adjective]
Example
The ball is stuck in the tree, but it's still retrievable with a ladder. [retrievable: adjective]
recoverable
Example
The company was able to recover the lost profits from the previous quarter. [recoverable: adjective]
Example
The stolen car was recovered by the police a few days later. [recovered: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recoverable is more commonly used than retrievable in everyday language. Recoverable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retrievable is less common and more specific to technology or systems.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between retrievable and recoverable?
Both retrievable and recoverable are formal words that can be used in professional or technical contexts.
