programmable

IPA/prəʊˈɡræməbl/
KK[prˈoɡrˌæməbəl]IPA/ˈprəʊɡræməbl/

programmable — adjective

  • programmablepositive
  • more programmablecomparative
  • most programmablesuperlative

1. Designed so that its behaviour, functions, or operations can be changed or set i

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

Designed so that its behaviour, functions, or operations can be changed or set in advance through software or computer instructions, rather than being permanently fixed at the time of manufacture.

Example

The new programmable thermostat lets you set different temperatures for each day of the week.

programmable + thermostat — common household device

Anjali bought a programmable coffee maker so she wakes up to fresh coffee every morning.

be + programmable — predicative pattern

Common collocations
  • programmable thermostat
  • programmable coffee maker
  • programmable controller
  • programmable timer
  • programmable robot
  • is programmable
  • fully programmable
  • easily programmable
Synonyms
  • configurable

    broader — can be adjusted by the user, but not necessarily through software (e.g. a configurable dashboard)

  • customisable

    focuses on user preference and appearance rather than software-based behaviour control

  • automated

    wider scope — can describe purely mechanical automation without software instructions

Antonyms
  • fixed

    cannot be changed or adjusted after manufacture

  • manual

    operated by human action rather than pre-set instructions

Grammar Patterns

programmable + noun

be + programmable

Usage Note

Not used for humans or animals — it describes machines, devices, and systems whose behaviour can be set by software. Commonly appears before a noun (attributive, e.g. 'a programmable oven') or after a linking verb (predicative, e.g. 'the timer is programmable').

Common Mistakes

This toaster is programmatic.
This toaster is programmable.
programmatic means 'related to a plan or programme,' not 'able to accept programming instructions.'
The schedule is programmable by the manager.
The manager can program the schedule.
people are not programmable; devices are.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

While all four describe devices or systems that can be adjusted, programmable is the most specific: it requires software or computer instructions to control behaviour. Configurable is broader — a configurable interface lets you change settings, but those changes may be saved mechanically rather than through code. Customisable focuses on personal preference and appearance (colours, layout) rather than core function. Automated is the widest term and includes purely mechanical systems (e.g. an automatic sprinkler on a simple timer). If the device runs on software instructions you write or install, use programmable. If it just lets you flip between preset options, configurable is more natural.

configurablecustomisableautomated ↗programmable ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • programmable by the user
  • programmable via a smartphone app

Prepositions

  • by [the user]
  • via [an app / software]

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Formed from 'program' (meaning to set instructions for a machine) plus the suffix '-able' (meaning capable of being). The word 'program' entered English from French 'programme,' which came from Late Latin 'programma' (a written proclamation), originally from Greek 'programma' (a public written notice). The computing sense of 'program' emerged in the 1940s, and 'programmable' appeared soon after as technology advanced to allow machines to accept different sets of instructions.

First known use

1953

1953, in the meaning defined above Noun