available
adjective
UK/əˈveɪ.lə.bəl/US/əˈveɪ.lə.bəl/
able to be used or obtained; at someone's disposal
Example Sentences
Is this seat available, or is someone already sitting here?
The item was listed as available online, but it quickly sold out.
Please check if there is any available accommodation at the hotel.
He is usually available on weekends if you want to schedule a meeting.
We noticed the product has been out of stock for weeks, but it should become available again next month.
Our company is looking for the best available candidates for the new positions opening next quarter.
During the conference, attendees were delighted to find that high-speed internet and comfortable workspaces were readily available, making it easy to stay connected and productive throughout the event.
If you are interested in borrowing books from the library, you can search the catalog online to see if they are currently available, ensuring you don't make an unnecessary trip.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Describes something accessible for use or readily obtainableThis term is an adjective used to express the readiness or accessibility of resources, services, or people. You can apply it to situations where something is present and easy to obtain, such as an item in stock, a person ready to help, or time that’s open to scheduling. For example, “I’m available this afternoon,” signals that your schedule is free. “The product will be available next month,” tells customers that they can purchase it soon. In business or professional emails, “available” clarifies scheduling or resources: “Please let us know your available times for a meeting.” In personal contexts, it can simply mean readiness: “Is there any food available in the fridge?” or “I’m available for a call at 6 p.m.” Politely checking availability before making requests helps maintain respect for others’ schedules or resources. Likewise, you might see it used in postings, like a job advertisement: “The position will be available starting next quarter,” or in rental contexts: “The apartment is available for immediate move-in.” The key is that “available” conveys that something or someone can be used, accessed, or contacted without undue difficulty or obstruction.
Alternatives
Sometimes you might want to avoid repeating the same descriptor too often. Alternatives depend on context. If you’re discussing people and their schedules, words like “free,” “open,” or “unoccupied” can fit well, as in “I’m free this weekend.” In a professional setting, “accessible” often stands in for resources or data that can be reached without hindrance: “The files are accessible to all team members.” If you’re describing a vacant property or item, “vacant,” “unclaimed,” or “ready for use” can apply, reflecting that no one is currently using it and it’s ready to be claimed. For resources like funds, “at one’s disposal” might be appropriate, while “on hand” can describe items physically present and ready to be used. Sometimes you could say “in stock,” particularly for goods in a store or warehouse context. When you’re dealing with times and appointments, “open” or “free” can convey an unbooked slot. Meanwhile, to describe a broad range of options, “plentiful” or “abundant” hints at having more than enough on offer. Picking the right alternative depends on how formal or casual you want to be and the specifics of what’s being accessed. By switching up the term, you can keep your writing or speech natural and dynamic, accurately matching the various nuances and contexts where you’d normally use “available.”
Writing
When writing about something that can be easily accessed or obtained, using this word highlights straightforwardness. In practical documents such as instructions or guides, you might say, “Make sure these components are available before starting assembly,” clearly telling readers to gather necessary items first. It emphasizes readiness or presence. In academic or professional writing, such as proposals, explaining that “Funds will become available upon project approval” shows a crucial step in unlocking resources. It also appears in disclaimers or notices: “This feature is only available to premium subscribers.” If you rely on this term too frequently, you risk repetitive phrasing that dulls your text. So try alternating with synonyms like “accessible” or “obtainable” to maintain variety. Also, consider clarifying the extent or method of availability—like “digitally accessible,” “publicly available,” or “available by request.” Doing so helps your writing remain specific, giving your audience a clear picture of how or where they can acquire or use something. Ultimately, it’s essential for bridging the gap between the object or service and the people who need it, ensuring readers understand both the possibility of access and any steps required.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, this word pops up when you need to convey that something—be it an item, time slot, or person—is ready to be used or contacted. For instance, if a friend invites you to a movie and you say, “I’m available on Friday night,” you’re simply letting them know you have no conflicts. Likewise, if you’re discussing a product that’s out of stock, you might say, “They said it’ll be available next week,” casually updating someone about when they can pick it up. It also comes in handy for spontaneous plans: “Are you available for lunch today?” or “Is that meeting room available right now?” In casual contexts, you can often swap out “available” for “free” or “good to go,” as in “Are you free for coffee?” or “It’s good to go whenever you are.” Those phrases add a relaxed, friendly tone. On the flipside, if you don’t want to commit, you might say, “I’m not sure if I’ll be available then,” showing a level of uncertainty. This term is direct enough for everyday use, making it easy to schedule events, offer items, or confirm readiness. The key is to keep it simple, letting people know precisely what’s open or accessible without overcomplicating your message.
Etymology
Derived from the French word “avaler” (meaning “to descend” or “to come down to”) and later influenced by Latin origins, “available” gradually took shape in the English language to express the idea of something coming into reach or being within grasp. By the early modern period, British writers and speakers adapted the term to indicate goods, services, or even individuals ready for use or engagement. As trade networks expanded, emphasizing whether an item was available for purchase or shipment became increasingly important in contracts and commerce. Over time, the word’s usage spread across various domains: from scheduling meetings to describing intangible resources, like data, in the digital age. Today, it carries a straightforward connotation: that something is ready, free to use, or easily obtained. Over the centuries, its meaning has remained fairly stable, yet it’s also gained nuance, now referring not only to physical objects but also to intellectual property, online materials, and personal readiness. This enduring relevance reflects society’s continual need to clarify what’s open or accessible to others, reinforcing just how pivotal “availability” is in both daily interactions and broader institutional processes.
