Actionable

Actionable describes something that provides grounds for taking legal action or prosecution, or is worthy of attention and subsequent response. This generally applies when something can be justified and proven through evidence and legal processes. The term typically indicates that sufficient conditions exist to support a complaint or claim, allowing someone to seek remedy for a perceived wrong or injury, whether that is an event, comment, or product. It often relates to financial or legal contexts, but can be applied more generally to any situation where a clear course of action is warranted.

Actionable meaning with examples

• The company's misleading advertising was deemed actionable by the consumer protection agency. The agency filed a lawsuit as the false claims caused financial damages to customers, thereby justifying the legal proceedings and prompting the company to cease its practices and provide compensation.
• The evidence of data breach was considered actionable, leading the board to investigate and the IT team to take immediate steps to secure the network. The prompt action was needed to prevent further damages, fulfilling their duty to protect sensitive customer data.
• Following the incident, the social media post regarding the actor's defamation was proven actionable. The actor took legal action due to reputational harm, and the legal team worked to prove damages, the legal course proved to be justified, and the post was removed.
• Due to the serious breach of contract, the claimant found the defendant's failure to perform the outlined obligations to be actionable, and the judge awarded damages. This validated the plaintiff's claim of contract violation and provided compensation for the defendant's failure.