preventable

Everyday

Preventable means able to be stopped before it happens. tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons it is used about accidents and illnesses: many injuries are preventable with helmets, seatbelts and washing hands. In news and formal reports: «a preventable tragedy». It tells the reader that someone could have stopped the bad thing. Phrases: «preventable disease», «entirely preventable».

Examples

• Most kitchen fires are preventable. tree →
• Tooth decay is preventable if you brush. tree →
• Measles is a preventable disease thanks to vaccines. tree →
• The accident was completely preventable. tree →
• Wearing a helmet makes many head injuries preventable. tree →
• Sunburn is preventable with sunscreen. tree →
• Many falls at home are preventable. tree →
• The doctor said the illness was preventable. tree →

Note

Spelling -able (not «preventible»). Opposite: unavoidable, inevitable. Verb: prevent; noun: prevention («prevention is better than cure»).