C1adjectiveformalacademicscience
US/əˈtrɪb.jə.tə.bəl/
UK/əˈtrɪb.jə.tə.bəl/
able to be explained by a particular cause, or said to be made by a particular person
In context
Most of the increase is attributable to higher food prices.
Her success is largely attributable to years of hard work.
The report says the damage is directly attributable to the storm.
Words that go with attributable
adverb + adjective
- directly attributableThe loss is directly attributable to poor planning.
- largely attributableThe delay is largely attributable to bad weather.
- partly attributableThe change is partly attributable to new laws.
- mainly attributableThe rise is mainly attributable to tourism.
- wholly attributableHer mistake was wholly attributable to stress.
adjective + preposition
- attributable toIllness is attributable to many causes.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The failure is attributable by poor design.Correct: The failure is attributable to poor design.