Word

desirable

adjective C1

UK /dɪˈzaɪəɹəbəl/

US /dɪˈzaɪɹəbəl/

Meanings

adjective

attractive or worth wanting; good to have

adjective

preferred because it brings a good or useful result

Definition

Desirable means worth wanting or having because it is attractive, useful, or beneficial.

If something is desirable, it is considered a good option because it brings advantages or positive results. The word is often used for qualities, outcomes, jobs, places, or people’s skills. It can also suggest that something is preferred, even if it is not strictly necessary. In formal writing, it commonly appears with “to” + verb (e.g., “It is desirable to…”).

Examples

Flexibility is desirable in a fast-changing workplace, especially when priorities shift without warning.
In your cover letter, it is desirable to highlight achievements that show clear impact rather than vague responsibilities.
The committee agreed that a shorter timeline was desirable, but only if quality controls remained strict.
For this role, experience leading cross-functional teams is highly desirable, even if it is not a formal requirement.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse desirable (wanted) with desirous (wanting something), as in wrongly saying “I am desirable to learn” instead of “I am eager/desirous to learn.”