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Availability: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：being accessible or obtainable (availability)
availability
/əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/
n.
How easy it is to find, get, or use something. It tells you if something is there for you.
being accessible or obtainable
➕
/ˈbiːɪŋ əkˈsɛsəbəl ɔːr əbˈteɪnəbəl/
n.
Refers to the state of something being easily found, acquired, or ready for use.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'available' + '-ity'. 'Available' comes from Old French, meaning 'to be of use'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: A vehicle is able to be used → 'A-vi-able' → availability means something is able to be used or obtained.
📖 Example
I checked the website, and there was availability for the concert tickets, so I bought two immediately.
I checked the website, and there was availability for the concert tickets, so I bought two immediately.
🔗 Collocations
limited availability – only a small amount is accessible or in stock
check availability – to verify if something is in stock or accessible
product availability – the state of a product being in stock and ready for purchase
🔄 Synonyms
accessibility (n.) – the quality of being easy to approach or obtain
obtainability (n.) – the state of being capable of being acquired
at hand (phrase) – readily available or accessible
🚫 Antonyms
scarcity (n.) – the state of being in short supply
unavailability (n.) – the state of not being accessible or obtainable
🌱 Derivatives
available (adj.) – able to be used or obtained
unavailable (adj.) – not able to be used or obtained
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'availability' stems from the French 'available' (mid-15c.), from 'avail' + '-able'. It entered English to describe the state of being at one's disposal or obtainable, reflecting a shift towards concepts of utility and access in commerce and logistics.
Meaning 2：being free to meet or help (availability)
availability
/əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/
n.
If someone is free or not busy, so that you can meet them or ask for their help. It's about their free time.
being free to meet or help
➕
/ˈbiːɪŋ friː tuː miːt ɔːr hɛlp/
n.
Refers to a person's state of having free time or not being occupied, making them reachable for appointments or tasks.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
You should call the dentist's office to inquire about her availability next week for a check-up.
You should call the dentist's office to inquire about her availability next week for a check-up.
🔗 Collocations
check someone's availability – to ask or find out if someone is free
limited availability – having very few free time slots
declare availability – to formally state when one is free
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
unavailability (n.) – the state of not being free or accessible
busyness (n.) – the state of having a great deal to do
Wordbook
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