A hydrogen absorbing alloy containing at least a rare-earth element, magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al), having an intensity ratio (I.sub.A/I.sub.B) of not smaller than 0.6 (where I.sub.A represents an intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2.theta.=30.degree..about.34.degree. in the X-ray diffraction pattern using CuK.sub..alpha.-radiation as the X-ray source and I.sub.B represents the intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2.theta.=40.degree..about.44.degree.), and not substantially including La as the rare-earth element.