deliverable

/dɪˈlɪv(ə)rəb(ə)l/
nounIntermediate💡 tangible result or outcome
💼Business
formal

A tangible or intangible object or service produced as a result of a process or project.

The software's deliverables included the source code, user manual, and installation guide.

The project produced three key outputs: the actual code, a guide for users, and instructions for setup.

At the end of the quarter, the marketing team reviewed their quarterly deliverables.

The marketing team assessed the results they had produced by the end of the three-month period.

💡

In project management, deliverables are specific, measurable outputs that must be completed to fulfill project objectives. They can be documents, products, or services.

general

Something that can be provided as a result of a process.

The consultant's deliverables were a detailed report and a set of recommendations.

The consultant provided a comprehensive document and a list of suggested actions.

💡

Often used in business and technical contexts to describe outputs expected from a contract, project, or service.

Collocations

project deliverablesspecific outputs required to complete a projectfinal deliverablethe last required output of a projectmeet deliverablesto fulfill the required outputs on timedeliverable scheduletimeline for producing project outputs

💡Pro Tip

Remember the plural form

In professional contexts, 'deliverables' is almost always used in plural form, even when referring to a single item. Say 'the project's deliverables' rather than 'the project's deliverable'.

Gold Rule

Distinguish deliverables from objectives

Deliverables are the concrete outputs or results, while objectives are the broader goals or aims. A project may have one objective but multiple deliverables.

Make deliverables SMART

Ensure deliverables are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to provide clear expectations and evaluation criteria.

📖Word Origin

From the verb 'deliver' + suffix '-able', meaning 'capable of being delivered'. First recorded in the late 19th century, originally in legal contexts referring to documents that could be formally presented.

📝Usage Notes

Common in business, project management, and engineering contexts. Always pluralized in professional usage ('deliverables') even when referring to a single item. Avoid using as a verb ('deliverable' is not a verb form).

Word Breakdown

deliver
to provide or transfer something
root
+
-able
capable of being
suffix
English Dictionary