Meaning & use
collapsable
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparable
Able to be folded or made smaller for easy storage or carrying.
Grammar: Not usually compared; used before a noun: a collapsable chair.
Patterns
- collapsable + noun
We bought a collapsable table for the small kitchen.
The collapsable tent fits into a backpack.
He uses a collapsable walking stick when hiking.
Common combinations
- collapsable chair
- The collapsable chair is easy to store.
- collapsable table
- They set up a collapsable table for the party.
- collapsable tent
- A collapsable tent is convenient for camping.
Synonyms and how they differ
- collapsible
- Collapsible is the standard spelling; collapsable is a less common variant. Both mean the same, but collapsible is preferred in most contexts.
- foldable
- Foldable emphasizes folding, while collapsable emphasizes collapsing into a smaller shape; they often overlap.
- portable
- Portable means easy to carry, but not necessarily able to be folded; a portable radio may not collapse.
Opposites
Word family
- collapse verb
- To fall down or fold together suddenly.
- collapsible adjective
- Standard spelling of collapsable.
Commonly confused: collapsable or collapsible?
collapsable vs collapsible
Collapsible is the usual spelling; collapsable is a variant that some dictionaries list. For formal writing, use collapsible.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'collapsable' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Collapsable' is an adjective meaning able to be folded, so 'collapsable umbrella' fits. Option A uses it to mean 'that collapsed', which is not the meaning; option C uses it as a verb, which is wrong; option D uses it figuratively but not in the standard sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “collapsable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.