Dismissable vs. Dismissible — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
Dismissable refers to something that can be disregarded or deemed unworthy of consideration, while dismissible typically relates to legal or formal contexts where something can be officially dismissed or terminated.
Difference Between Dismissable and Dismissible
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Key Differences
Dismissable content or actions are often seen as not significant enough to warrant attention or concern. On the other hand, dismissible actions or cases, especially in a legal sense, meet the criteria for being formally rejected or terminated by an authority.
While "dismissable" often pertains to informal evaluations or judgments, implying something is not compelling or credible enough to be taken seriously, "dismissible" is used in contexts where formal procedures allow for something to be officially disregarded or set aside. For example, a claim in court might be deemed dismissible if it lacks sufficient evidence.
The usage of "dismissable" can be broad, applying to ideas, suggestions, or behaviors considered trivial or irrelevant. Conversely, "dismissible" is more likely to be found in settings that require an official decision-making process, such as legal proceedings, where criteria are met to dismiss a case or charge.
"Dismissable" actions or materials might not meet a required standard of importance or relevance in a given context, suggesting they can be easily overlooked. Dismissible scenarios, however, typically involve a formal evaluation process that concludes with an official act of dismissal, often after specific criteria or legal standards are considered.
In the realm of employment or organizational roles, "dismissable" might describe behavior or performance viewed as insufficient or unacceptable, leading to potential dismissal. "Dismissible," however, directly refers to the capability or possibility of being formally removed or fired from a position or role, often after a formal review process.
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Comparison Chart
Context
Informal evaluations, judgments
Formal, legal contexts
Implication
Lacking significance or credibility
Meeting criteria for official rejection or termination
Usage
Broad, applies to ideas, behaviors considered trivial
Used in official decisions, like legal dismissals
Evaluation Process
Informal, subjective assessment
Formal, involves official procedures and criteria
Example Applications
Ideas, suggestions not taken seriously
Legal cases, employment terminations after formal review
Compare with Definitions
Dismissable
Capable of being disregarded as irrelevant.
The argument was so weak that it was immediately dismissable.
Dismissible
Subject to formal termination or dismissal.
The case was found to be dismissible due to lack of evidence.
Dismissable
Pertaining to something that can be overlooked.
The oversight was minor and thus dismissable.
Dismissible
Eligible for official rejection or removal.
The employee’s behavior made him dismissible under company policy.
Dismissable
Not worthy of serious consideration.
The theory presented was interesting but ultimately dismissable.
Dismissible
Capable of being legally thrown out or disregarded.
The judge declared the motion dismissible.
Dismissable
Reflecting a lack of importance or relevance.
His concerns were deemed dismissable by the committee.
Dismissible
Involving criteria or standards for formal dismissal.
The allegations were serious, but ultimately found to be dismissible.
Dismissable
Easily rejected or ignored.
Such dismissable evidence will not hold in any serious discussion.
Dismissible
Pertaining to matters that can be officially ended.
The contract included a clause making it dismissible at any time.
Dismissable
Capable of being dismissed.
Most of their arguments were dismissable as obvious fallacies.
Dismissible
To end the employment or service of; discharge.
Dismissible
To direct or allow to leave
Dismissed troops after the inspection.
Dismissed the student after reprimanding him.
Dismissible
To stop considering; rid one's mind of; dispel
Dismissed all thoughts of running for office.
Dismissible
To refuse to accept or recognize; reject
Dismissed the claim as highly improbable.
Dismissible
(Law) To adjudicate (a cause of action) as insufficient to proceed further in court because of some deficiency in law or fact.
Dismissible
To eject (a player or coach) for the remainder of a game.
Dismissible
To put out (a batter) in cricket.
Dismissible
That may be dismissed
Dismissible
Subject to dismissal.
Dismissible
Subject to dismissal;
Appointed and removable by the mayor
Common Curiosities
What is meant by dismissible?
Dismissible describes something that can be formally terminated or dismissed, especially in legal or official contexts.
Can a legal case be dismissable?
Yes, a legal case can be considered dismissable if it meets the criteria for dismissal, such as insufficient evidence.
Is every dismissable idea also dismissible?
Not necessarily. While a dismissable idea can be disregarded informally, dismissible implies a formal process or criteria for dismissal.
How do I use dismissable and dismissible correctly?
Use "dismissable" when referring to something that can be easily ignored or is not significant. Use "dismissible" in contexts requiring formal dismissal or termination.
Why might a court find a lawsuit dismissible?
A lawsuit might be deemed dismissible if it fails to meet legal standards, lacks evidence, or for procedural reasons.
What makes something dismissable in a discussion?
Something is dismissable in a discussion if it's considered irrelevant, unimportant, or not worthy of consideration.
Are dismissable opinions valued in debates?
Dismissable opinions might be heard in debates but are generally not given much weight or consideration due to their perceived lack of significance.
Can an employee be both dismissable and dismissible?
Yes, an employee can be considered dismissable due to trivial or minor infractions and dismissible if there are formal grounds for termination.
Do dismissable and dismissible have the same root word?
Yes, both words derive from "dismiss," meaning to send away or reject, but they are used in slightly different contexts.
What does dismissable mean?
Dismissable refers to something that can be disregarded or considered unworthy of serious consideration.
What distinguishes a dismissible allegation from a dismissable one?
A dismissible allegation has been formally evaluated and found lacking grounds for action, whereas a dismissable allegation may simply be considered not credible or serious without formal assessment.
Are dismissable actions always considered trivial?
Typically, yes. Dismissable actions are viewed as not significant enough to require serious attention.
Is evidence always dismissible if it’s dismissable?
Not always. Evidence might be dismissable on an informal basis but requires a legal or formal evaluation to be considered dismissible.
Can a policy be dismissible?
Yes, a policy can be dismissible if there are formal provisions or grounds for its termination or repeal.
How does an organization decide if a role is dismissible?
An organization may consider a role dismissible based on performance, compliance with policies, or organizational changes, following formal review processes.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
