variable

variable is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /ˈver.i.ə.bl̩/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Noun

Singular variable

Plural variables

1. (countable) A variable is something that may not always be the same.

   In life insurance, sex is an important variable because men generally die younger than women.

2. A variable is something used in mathematics for an unknown value.

   In "x = 1 + 2 +...n = ((1 + n) × n)÷2", x is the variable.

3. A variable is something used in computer programming languages that stores data, such as a number or words.

Antonyms

• constant

Adjective

Positive variable

Comparative more variable

Superlative most variable

1. If something is variable, it changes often.

   The temperature in the area is highly variable.

2. If a group is variable, there are big differences between things in the group.

   The expected height of children in 3rd grade is variable.

Synonyms

• changeable
• unstable

Antonyms

• constant
• stable

Related words

• vary
• various
• variability