Available: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
December 9, 2025

1. Available (adjective): Able to be used or obtained; accessible or ready for use.
2. Available (adjective): Not occupied or engaged; free to do something.
3. Available (adjective): Legally valid or effective.

The term "available" describes something that can be used, accessed, or obtained. It is often applied to resources, time, people, and opportunities. It also refers to someone who is not currently occupied and is free to engage in an activity. This word is commonly used in everyday communication, business, and legal contexts.

"Available" Definition: What Does "Available" Mean?

The word "available" is frequently used to describe resources, opportunities, or people that are accessible, ready for use, or free to engage in an activity. Below are its key meanings and applications.

Definition of "Available": Ready for Use

When something is "available," it means it is accessible and ready to be used. This is commonly applied to products, services, and tools that can be obtained.

Definition of "Available": Free or Unoccupied

Another meaning of "available" is that someone or something is not engaged or occupied, meaning they are free to participate or be used. This definition is frequently used in social and professional settings.

Definition of "Available": Legally Valid or Effective

In legal terms, "available" can also mean that something is valid, applicable, or in effect, such as legal documents, remedies, or arguments.

Parts of Speech

"Available" is primarily used as an adjective. It describes the state of something being accessible, obtainable, or unoccupied. There are no commonly used noun or verb forms of this word.

How to Pronounce "Available"?

The word "available" is pronounced with four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Start with "uh-VAY" – the "a" in "VAY" sounds like the "ay" in "say." Follow with "luh" – pronounced softly, similar to "luh" in "label." End with "buhl" – sounding like "bull" but softer.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /əˈveɪ.lə.bəl/

Synonyms of "Available": Other Ways to Say "Available"

There are many synonyms for "available" that convey similar meanings. Here are some examples:

  • Accessible
  • Obtainable
  • Reachable
  • Usable
  • Open
  • Free
  • Unoccupied
  • Vacant
  • At hand
  • On hand

Antonyms of "Available": Other Ways to Say "Available"

Opposites of "available" indicate something that is not accessible, usable, or free. Some examples include:

  • Unavailable
  • Inaccessible
  • Occupied
  • Engaged
  • Out of reach
  • Restricted
  • Limited
  • Busy
  • Exclusive
  • Absent

Examples of "Available" in a Sentence

Here are ten sentences showing how "available" is used in different contexts:

1. The Wi-Fi is available in all rooms of the hotel.
2. She checked if her favorite dress was still available in her size.
3. I am available for a meeting on Monday afternoon.
4. The information is publicly available on the company’s website.
5. He asked if the manager was available to take a call.
6. The product will be available for purchase starting next week.
7. The rental car is not available until tomorrow.
8. She made herself available to help with the project.
9. This option is only available to premium members.
10. No rooms were available at the hotel due to high demand.

Frequency of Use

The word "available" is widely used in both written and spoken English. It frequently appears in business, technology, customer service, and everyday conversations. Google’s Ngram Viewer shows that "available" has been steadily used over the past century, particularly increasing with technological advancements and customer service developments.

Variants of "Available"

There are a few variations of "available" used in different contexts. Here are some of them:

  1. Availability: The noun form, referring to the state of being available.
  2. Unavailable: The opposite of available, meaning something cannot be accessed or obtained.
  3. Availably: The adverb form, meaning in a manner that is available.

Related Terms to "Available"

Several related words expand on the concept of availability:

  1. Access
  2. Obtain
  3. Acquire
  4. Offer
  5. Present
  6. Vacancy
  7. Opportunity
  8. Provision
  9. Supply
  10. Reserve

Etymology: History and Origins of "Available"

The word "available" originates from the Old French word avail, meaning "to be of use" or "to help." It stems from the Latin verb valere, which means "to be strong or worthy." The term first appeared in English in the 15th century, initially referring to something that is useful or advantageous. Over time, it evolved to describe things that are accessible, obtainable, or ready for use.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Available"

Many words are derived from or connected to "available":

  1. Availability: The state of being available.
  2. Unavailable: The opposite of available.
  3. Avail: To make use of something.

Common Misspellings of "Available"

Some common spelling mistakes of "available" include:

  1. Avalable
  2. Availible
  3. Avilable
  4. Avalible
  5. Avaiable

10 Idioms Similar to "Available"

Here are some idioms related to the concept of availability:

  1. At your disposal
  2. Up for grabs
  3. On hand
  4. Free as a bird
  5. Open for business
  6. Ready and waiting
  7. Good to go
  8. Within reach
  9. At the ready
  10. Open to suggestions

10 Common Questions About "Available"

1. What does "available" mean?

"Available" means something can be accessed, obtained, or used when needed. It can also describe a person who is free or unoccupied.

2. What is the noun form of "available"?

The noun form is "availability," which refers to the state of being available. It is commonly used in scheduling and resource management.

3. What is the opposite of "available"?

The opposite is "unavailable," meaning something cannot be accessed or obtained. It can also refer to a person who is busy or occupied.

4. How do you use "available" in a sentence?

"The tickets are available for purchase online." It means the tickets can be accessed or bought.

5. Is "available" a verb?

No, "available" is an adjective. It describes the state of something being accessible or obtainable.

6. What is a synonym for "available"?

A synonym is "accessible," which also means something can be reached or obtained. Other synonyms include "obtainable" and "usable."

7. What does "not available" mean?

"Not available" means something cannot be accessed or used at the moment. It can apply to products, services, or people.

8. Can people be "available"?

Yes, if someone is "available," it means they are free or not occupied. For example, "She is available to meet this afternoon."

9. Is "available" formal or informal?

"Available" is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is common in business, technology, and daily conversations.

10. What is the adverb form of "available"?

The adverb form is "availably," though it is rarely used. Instead, people often phrase it as "something is available."

Conclusion

"Available" means something is accessible or ready for use. Understanding its meaning helps in both casual and professional communication. Expanding your vocabulary with similar words enhances language skills.

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