Available vs. Unavailable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 15, 2024
Available refers to something that is accessible or ready for use, whereas unavailable denotes something that is not accessible or currently in use.
Difference Between Available and Unavailable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Available items or services are ready to be used or engaged with at a given time. On the other hand, unavailable items are not accessible, often due to being in use, out of stock, or out of service.
In terms of scheduling, a person who is available has free time for appointments or meetings, whereas someone who is unavailable has no free slots in their schedule.
For technology, an available system or application can be accessed and used without issues. Conversely, an unavailable system is down or undergoing maintenance, preventing access.
In customer service, if a product is available, it means it is in stock and can be purchased. If it is unavailable, it could be sold out or discontinued, making it impossible to buy at that time.
When talking about information, available information can be readily obtained and used. In contrast, unavailable information is restricted, classified, or not disclosed, making it inaccessible to the public.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Ready for use or engagement
Not accessible or in use
Example in Scheduling
"Has free time slots"
"Has no free time slots"
Example in Technology
"System is operational"
"System is undergoing maintenance"
Example in Products
"In stock and can be purchased"
"Sold out or discontinued"
Example in Information
"Information can be readily obtained"
"Information is restricted or not disclosed"
Compare with Definitions
Available
Obtainable.
The tickets are available at the box office.
Unavailable
Out of stock.
That model is unavailable in our store.
Available
Ready for use.
The new software update is available for download.
Unavailable
Not accessible.
The website is currently unavailable.
Available
Unoccupied.
The seat next to me is available.
Unavailable
Undergoing maintenance.
The service will be unavailable until midnight.
Available
Free to meet.
She is available for a meeting on Thursday.
Unavailable
Restricted.
The files are unavailable to the public.
Available
Accessible.
The document is available online.
Unavailable
Not able to be used or obtained; not at someone's disposal
Material which is unavailable to the researcher
Available
Able to be used or obtained; at someone's disposal
Refreshments will be available all afternoon
Community health services available to Londoners
Unavailable
(of a person) not free to do something; otherwise occupied
The men were unavailable for work
Available
Present and ready for use; at hand; accessible
Kept a fire extinguisher available at all times.
Unavailable
Not available, accessible, or at hand.
Available
Capable of being gotten; obtainable
A bedspread available in three colors.
Unavailable
(obsolete) Unavailing; ineffective.
Available
Qualified and willing to serve or assist
A list of available candidates.
Was not available for comment.
Unavailable
Not available.
This product is unavailable at the moment, but we hope to order more by next week.
A cold, reserved man, he was seen as emotionally unavailable.
Available
(Chemistry) Capable of being used in a chemical reaction
Available electrons.
Unavailable
A communist who operated underground and was therefore not available for a political leadership position.
Available
(Botany) Present, as in soil, and capable of being used by plants as a nutrient
Available water.
Available minerals.
Unavailable
Not available or accessible or at hand;
Fresh milk was unavailable during the emergency
His secretary said he was unavailable for comment
Available
Such as one may avail oneself of; capable of being used for the accomplishment of a purpose.
We have an available candidate.
Unavailable
Busy.
He is unavailable for a call at the moment.
Available
Readily obtainable.
The list shows the available products in the store.
Available
(legal) Valid.
This is an available plea.
Available
(archaic) Having sufficient power, force, or efficacy to achieve the purpose; availing, effective.
Available
Free to meet someone, speak on the telephone, enter a romantic relationship, or the like.
I have a question for you when you're available.
Hi, this is Mark Smith calling. Is your mother available?
I asked her if she was available, but she said she had a boyfriend.
Available
Having sufficient power, force, or efficacy, for the object; effectual; valid; as, an available plea.
Laws human are available by consent.
Available
Such as one may avail one's self of; capable of being used for the accomplishment of a purpose; usable; profitable; advantageous; convertible into a resource; as, an available measure; an available candidate.
Struggling to redeem, as he did, the available months and days out of so many that were unavailable.
Having no available funds with which to pay the calls on new shares.
Available
Obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service;
Kept a fire extinguisher available
Much information is available through computers
Available in many colors
The list of available candidates is unusually long
Available
Not busy; not otherwise committed;
He was not available for comment
He was available and willing to accompany her
Available
Convenient for use or disposal;
The house is available after July 1
2000 square feet of usable office space
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when a product is marked as available?
It means the product is in stock and can be purchased.
Can unavailable items become available again?
Yes, items can become available again if restocked or issues are resolved.
What does it mean when a service is unavailable?
It means the service cannot be accessed, often due to maintenance or other issues.
What are typical reasons for unavailability?
Reasons include being out of stock, maintenance, or exclusive access restrictions.
Are unavailable services always down for maintenance?
Not always, they could also be overwhelmed with traffic or facing technical issues.
How do companies notify about unavailability?
Through signs, notices, or digital updates.
How do I know if a resource will be available?
Check its status online or inquire with customer service.
Is availability the same as accessibility?
They are similar, but accessibility can also refer to usability by people with disabilities.
How can I make an appointment if someone is unavailable?
Try scheduling for another time when they are available.
Can I request notification when an unavailable item is back in stock?
Yes, many stores offer notifications for restocks.
What is the impact of unavailability on business?
It can lead to missed opportunities and customer dissatisfaction.
How does availability affect user experience?
High availability generally improves user satisfaction and accessibility.
What should I do if a service is unavailable?
Check back later or contact support for more information.
Does unavailable mean permanently inaccessible?
Not necessarily, it can be temporary depending on the context.
What is a good practice when dealing with unavailable information?
Seek alternative sources or wait for the information to become available.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
