Justifiable
/ˌdʒʌstɪˈfaɪəbəl/
Definitions
Able to be shown to be right or reasonable; defensible.
/ˌdʒʌstɪˈfaɪəbəl/
Capable of being shown to be right or reasonable
The company's decision to lay off employees was, unfortunately, justifiable given the financial situation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining to a friend why you did something. If it makes sense and is a good reason, your actions were justifiable. Like, 'I was late because my car broke down,' is justifiable.
👶 For kids: If something is justifiable, it means you have a good reason for doing it, and it's okay. Like, 'It's justifiable to eat cookies when you're sad.'
More Examples
From a purely economic standpoint, the investment was justifiable.
The soldier's use of deadly force was deemed justifiable in defense of his comrades.
How It's Used
"The use of force was justifiable given the threat."
"Her actions were justifiable in the face of such adversity."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English, from Old French *justifiabel*, from Latin *iūstificābilis*, from *iūstificō* ("to justify").
The word 'justifiable' has been used in legal and philosophical contexts for centuries to discuss the moral rightness or defensibility of actions or arguments. It's been used in various religious contexts too.
Memory tip
Think of a jury needing to find actions defensible.
Word Origin
"to make just or righteous"