Quick Answer
Laudable means something is worthy of praise. It's about recognising good intentions and valiant efforts, regardless of whether they achieve their goal. This is important because it allows us to celebrate admirable actions and the spirit of trying, even in the face of failure.
In a hurry? TL;DR
- 1Use 'laudable' to praise noble intentions and efforts, even if the outcome isn't successful, focusing on moral victory.
- 2Highlight the virtue and spirit behind an action rather than just the final results when using 'laudable'.
- 3Employ 'laudable' to describe well-intentioned actions in challenging situations, like adhering to protocols under pressure.
- 4Pair 'laudable' with 'effort' or 'aim' to acknowledge commendable attempts that may not have fully succeeded.
- 5Recognize that 'laudable' implies a collective public approval for actions rooted in virtue and good intent.
- 6Distinguish 'laudable' from synonyms by noting its emphasis on inherent worth and inspirational quality over mere success.
Why It Matters
This word is interesting because it allows us to praise noble intentions even when things don't go to plan.
Laudable describes an action, idea, or goal that deserves praise and commendation, regardless of whether it achieves ultimate success. It is the vocabulary of moral victory and noble intent.
Part of Speech: Adjective Pronunciation: LAW-duh-buhl (/ˈlɔːdəbl/) Definition: Worthy of high praise; commendable.
- Attempting to fix a systemic problem with limited resources is a laudable effort.
- His laudable honesty cost him the promotion but saved his reputation.
- The charity has the laudable goal of eliminating literacy gaps by 2030.
Why it matters
Laudable is the word we use when the spirit of an action is more important than the spreadsheet results. It bridges the gap between effort and outcome, allowing us to validate someone's character even when their project fails.
The anatomy of praise
The power of laudable lies in its specificity. Unlike words like great or successful, which focus on the finish line, laudable looks at the starting blocks. Calling an ambition laudable suggests it is rooted in virtue.
In legal and medical contexts, the word often surfaces to describe attempts that follow the best possible logic under pressure. While a doctor might not save a patient, their laudable adherence to protocol is what prevents malpractice. It is a term of protection for the well-intentioned.
Modern usage has seen a slight shift toward the backhanded compliment. When a politician describes an opponent's plan as laudable but impractical, they are effectively calling it a pipe dream dressed in a tuxedo. Yet, in its purest sense, it remains the standard for identifying genuine merit.
Compared to synonyms like meritorious or commendable, laudable carries a certain public weight. It implies that if people were to see the action, they would collectively applaud.
Interesting Connections
Laudable shares a root with several other terms of high regard. The word laudatory describes speech or writing that expresses praise, while a cum laude degree indicates someone who graduated with praise from their university.
Key Takeaways
- Use laudable to highlight the moral quality of an action rather than its end result.
- It is most effective when describing intentions, efforts, or goals.
- It carries a formal weight that elevates the tone of a performance review or editorial.
- Context is key: ensure you aren't accidentally implying that an effort is doomed to fail.
Related concepts to explore:
- Meritorious: Deserving reward or praise.
- Altruism: The practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Magnanimous: Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
Example Sentences
"Her dedication to helping the less fortunate was truly laudable, even when faced with significant challenges."
"The school's initiative to reduce plastic waste is a laudable effort towards environmental conservation."
"While the project ultimately failed, the team's innovative approach and tireless work were certainly laudable."
"The politician's commitment to transparency, though rare, is a laudable quality in public service."
"Building community through local events is a laudable goal, fostering stronger neighbourhood bonds."
