advisable

advisable — adjective

1. likely to bring a better result or keep you out of trouble, so it would be wise

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

likely to bring a better result or keep you out of trouble, so it would be wise to do it.

Example

It is advisable to carry water on the mountain trail.

it is advisable to + verb

After two falls, the coach said helmets were advisable for practice.

Common collocations
  • highly advisable
  • advisable course of action
  • advisable to wait
  • not advisable
Synonyms
  • wise

    the closest everyday word; more common in conversation

  • sensible

    stresses practical judgement and common sense

  • prudent

    more formal; focuses on caution and avoiding risk

  • recommended

    stronger and often sounds more official or direct

Antonyms
  • unwise

    the direct everyday opposite

  • inadvisable

    the formal opposite, often used in warnings

  • risky

    focuses more on danger than on judgement

Grammar Patterns

it is advisable to + verb

it is advisable for someone to + verb

[action/step] seems advisable

Usage Note

Often used in the pattern 'it is advisable to + verb', especially in careful or formal advice. You can also say an action or step 'seems advisable' when making a cautious judgement.

Common Mistakes

It is advisable you to leave now.
It is advisable for you to leave now.
after 'advisable', use 'for someone to + verb' if you name the person.
The doctor is advisable this afternoon.
The doctor is available this afternoon.
'advisable' describes a wise action or choice, not whether a person is free.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Advisable', 'wise', 'sensible', and 'prudent' all point to a good decision, but they do not feel the same. 'Wise' is the broadest everyday word and can describe people as well as choices. 'Sensible' often stresses practical thinking and ordinary common sense. 'Prudent' is more formal and focuses on caution, especially about money, safety, or future risk. 'Advisable' is the most impersonal of the four: it often appears in patterns like 'it is advisable to...' and sounds like calm, careful guidance rather than personal opinion. In a notice, a doctor might write 'It is advisable to rest for two days'; in conversation, a friend is more likely to say 'That's wise' or 'That seems sensible'.

advisable ↗wise ↗sensible ↗prudent ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • highly advisable
  • strongly advisable
  • generally advisable

Phrases

  • it is advisable to...
  • it may be advisable to...
  • seem advisable
  • not be advisable

Prepositions

  • advisable for someone to + verb

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Built in English from the verb 'advise' and the suffix '-able'. 'Advise' came into Middle English from Old French, with deeper roots in Latin. The older sense was 'fit to be advised or recommended'. From that, modern English uses 'advisable' for actions and decisions that are sensible and likely to prevent trouble.