availability
uh-vay-luh-BIL-ih-tee
/əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/
The state of having tables, seats, or time slots open and free to be booked.
Refers strictly to unreserved physical tables or open slots in online reservation platforms.
The story behind the word. Traces to Latin valere (to be worth), evolving through Old French avoir valoir (to be of use). In Anglo-French, available meant 'valid or effective'. In modern English, availability shifted to mean readiness for use or occupancy.
Word relationships
- openings: 'Openings' is casual everyday language, whereas 'availability' is formal industry terminology.
- unavailability: Unavailability means all tables or time slots are completely filled.
Commonly confused with
- capacity: 'Capacity' is maximum physical limit, while 'availability' is remaining unbooked space.
Word family
- available (adjective): Free to be reserved or used.
Collocations
- check availability
- limited availability
- table availability
- current availability
Idioms & expressions
- open slot
Example sentences
- "You can check table availability on the restaurant website before selecting a dining time." Online reservation
Memory hook
AVAIL-ability means open spots are AVAILABLE when you call. Open tables ready for you.
When not to use
Do not use to describe emotional openness or personal mood.
Fun facts
- Dynamic pricing engines adjust menu rates based on real-time table availability in major cities.
Related words
Explore more words
reservation, vacancy, overbook, bus, discretionary, Connectivity
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