deliverable
dih-LIV-ur-uh-bul
/dɪˈlɪvərəbl/
A thing able to be provided as a product of a development process.
Deliverables can be tangible (a physical product) or intangible (a report or a signed contract).
The story behind the word. The root 'liberare' means 'to set free'. When you 'deliver' something, you are literally 'setting it free' from your possession to someone else's. In business, a 'deliverable' is the item you are finally ready to release.
Word relationships
- output: Output is a general term for what is produced; a deliverable is specifically what was promised to a stakeholder.
- product: A product is usually a final result, while a deliverable can be an intermediate result like a draft.
- input: Input is the resource or effort put into a project, while a deliverable is what comes out.
Commonly confused with
- outcome: An outcome is the result or benefit (e.g., higher sales); a deliverable is the thing produced (e.g., a new website).
Word family
- deliver (verb): To provide or hand over.
- delivery (noun): The act of providing the deliverable.
Collocations
- key deliverable
- project deliverable
- final deliverable
- submit a deliverable
Example sentences
- "The final deliverable for the client is a 50-page strategy document." Consulting
- "The architectural drawings are the primary deliverable for this phase of the project." Construction
Memory hook
Think of a pizza delivery—it is the 'able' thing that is 'delivered' at the end of the order. A deliverable is what you are 'able' to 'deliver'.
When not to use
Avoid using this in casual conversation; it is strictly a business and project management term.
Fun facts
- The word 'deliverable' was rarely used as a noun before the 1970s.
- In government contracts, deliverables are often called 'CDRLs' (Contract Data Requirements List).
Explore more words
deliverables, asset, milestone, production, output, artifact
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