CultureAugust 12, 2026

electability

ih-LEK-tuh-BIL-ih-tee

Definition

The perceived ability of a candidate to win an election based on their appeal to the electorate.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin electus, meaning 'chosen,' plus the suffix -ability; it entered English to describe the quality of being suitable or likely to be selected for a position.

In the news

The term is used to describe how political candidates are often judged by their likelihood of winning rather than their policy stances, which complicates public conversations about controversial social issues like reparations.

Ms Rachel posts support for reparations, sharing Ta-Nehisi Coates quote on slavery and Jim Crow

Read the full article ↗

Fox News

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