electableadj.
/ᵻˈlɛktəbl/, U.S. /əˈlɛktəb(ə)l/, /iˈlɛktəb(ə)l/ Able to be elected, qualified for election.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > [adjective] > appointed by election > qualified for election
eligible1517
electable1879
1879 Echo 6 Mar. 2/4 The electorate has been widened, but the electable class has been narrowed.
Draft additions September 2006
Of a politician or party: having the qualities which make election likely or plausible.
ΚΠ
1919 Kansas City (Missouri) Times 14 Jan. 9/6 You cannot elect such men to office. They are not electable... The man who can do things is not at all the type of man that can get votes.
1963 C. L. Clapp Congressman i. 29 At first glance, they may not appear electable.
2004 Times Lit. Suppl. 10 Dec. 12/1 How they made Labour electable, and how they dealt with each other, will keep historians busy for a long time.
Draft additions September 2006
eˈlectability n.
ΚΠ
1947 Los Angeles Times 7 Dec. ii. 4/5 You may discuss, pro and con, the electability or lack of same of such men.., but the record shows that all of them are men of integrity, exceptional ability and great accomplishment.
2001 Publican Newspaper 4 June 8/1 It is probably the Liberal Democrats who have the most pub-friendly outlook..but a lack of faith in their electability means this is not reflected in the party's support.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1879