detectable
gb/dɪtˈɛktəbəl/ us/dɪtˈɛktəbəl/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
able to be noticed or found
If something is detectable, people or instruments can notice it, find it, or measure it.
Usage pattern:
detectable by [someone/something]; detectable in [something]; detectable through [method]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse detectable with detective. Detectable is an adjective; detective is a person who investigates crimes.
Synonyms
noticeable (more general; often means easy to see, hear, or feel)
|
perceptible (slightly formal; emphasizes being sensed or noticed)
|
measurable (emphasizes being measured, especially scientifically)
|
identifiable (emphasizes being recognized as a particular thing)
Antonyms
undetectable (cannot be noticed, found, or measured)
|
imperceptible (too slight to be noticed by the senses)
Collocations
detectable difference
|detectable change
|detectable levels
|detectable amount
|detectable trace
|detectable signal
|detectable symptoms
|detectable effect
|barely detectable
|easily detectable
Themes
science
|health
|technology
|investigation
Examples
- The chemical was detectable in the water even at very low levels.
- There was no detectable difference between the two samples.
- The sound is barely detectable unless you are standing very close to the machine.
Learner examples
- The smell was detectable from the hallway.
- The test found a detectable amount of the drug.
Grammar
Dictionary form
detectable
IPA
GB/dɪtˈɛktəbəl/
US/dɪtˈɛktəbəl/
Syllables & stress
de - tect - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tect)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: detectable
Expressions
at detectable levels
1/ˈæt dɪtˈɛktəbəl lˈɛvəlz/
fixed phrase
technical
in measurable amounts
Present in an amount that a test can find.
Examples
- Lead was found at detectable levels in several soil samples.
- The medication can remain in the blood at detectable levels for days.
- Detectable levels of radiation were reported near the site.
barely detectable
1/bˈɛɹli dɪtˈɛktəbəl/
fixed phrase
only just noticeable
Very difficult to notice or measure.
Examples
- The stain was barely detectable after the shirt was washed.
- Doctors found a barely detectable pulse.
- There was a barely detectable change in the temperature.
no detectable [something]
1/nˈoʊ dɪtˈɛktəbəl sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
none found or measured
Used when a test or careful check does not find something.
Examples
- The scan showed no detectable signs of damage.
- There was no detectable difference in performance after the update.
- The product contains no detectable traces of the banned substance.