Uncollectible or Uncollectable: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: When asking whether uncollectible or uncollectable is the correct spelling, you may find that both forms are accepted by major dictionaries. However, uncollectible is the more common choice, particularly within American accounting and business contexts. This preference stems from the fact that the suffix -ible attaches more naturally to the root word, ensuring clarity and adherence to standard English grammar rules found in professional documentation.
The Short Answer
Both spellings are accepted, but uncollectible is the more common form, especially in American accounting.
People often confuse these words because the suffix -able is extremely frequent in English, leading many to assume it is the only valid ending. This confusion arises from generalizing common patterns rather than following specific rules for words ending in vowels, where -ible often provides a clearer distinction from words ending in consonants.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| uncollectible | Standard | General usage and American accounting |
| uncollectable | Accepted | Rarely used, mostly seen in British English |
| Adjective | Noun | Describes something that cannot be gathered |
| Verb | Noun | Describes the action of gathering items |
Correct Example Sentences
- The debt became uncollectible after the debtor moved away.
- Our team reviewed the uncollectible accounts to update the ledger.
- This uncollectible item was removed from the inventory list.
- Please flag any uncollectible invoices for further review.
- The lawyer argued that the claim was uncollectible due to the statute of limitations.
- We need to calculate the percentage of uncollectible receivables.
- That old ticket is now uncollectible and worthless.
- The bank marked the loan as uncollectible immediately.
- Do not process uncollectible payments through the main system.
- Auditors often focus on uncollectible assets during a review.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- The invoice was uncollectable due to the error.
- The invoice was uncollectible due to the error.
- We collected all the uncollectable funds.
- We collected all the uncollectible funds.
- This uncollectable debt has been written off.
- This uncollectible debt has been written off.
- The uncollectable items were thrown away.
- The uncollectible items were thrown away.
- Please remove uncollectable entries from the file.
- Please remove uncollectible entries from the file.
- The uncollectable bill is no longer valid.
- The uncollectible bill is no longer valid.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To determine which spelling fits best, consider the root word collect and the suffix you are adding. When the root ends in a vowel sound, the suffix -ible is usually the correct choice to maintain the rhythm and clarity of the word, whereas -able is typically reserved for roots ending in consonants.
Related Word Pairs
- Collectible vs Collectable
- Collectible refers to items of value, while collectable is a valid but less common alternative.
- Percievable vs Perceivable
- Perceivable is the standard spelling, while percieveable is a frequent misspelling.
- Advisable vs Adviseable
- Advisable is the correct spelling, and adviseable is an incorrect variation.
- Equivocal vs Equivocal
- Equivocal is the standard spelling, and equivocal is a rare variant often rejected.
- Prejudice vs Prejudiced
- Prejudice is the noun form, while prejudiced is the adjective form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uncollectible the only correct spelling?
No, uncollectable is also accepted by major dictionaries, though uncollectible is significantly more common in American English and preferred in financial and accounting contexts.
Which spelling should I use for accounting?
You should use uncollectible for accounting because professional standards and most financial institutions favor this spelling for consistency and clarity in official documents.
Do British speakers use uncollectable?
British English often accepts uncollectable, but uncollectible is still widely used there as well, so the distinction is not as strict as in American English.
What is the difference in meaning?
There is no difference in meaning between the two words; both simply describe something that cannot be gathered or collected successfully.
