adoptable

American  

[uh-dop-tuh-buhl] / əˈdɒp tə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being adopted; suitable or eligible for adoption.

   an adoptable child; a resolution found to be adoptable.

---

noun

1. a child who is considered suitable for adoption.

   fewer adoptables than in previous years.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unadoptable
  adjective
• nonadoptable
  adjective
• adoptability
  noun

Etymology

Origin of adoptable

First recorded in 1835–45; adopt + -able

Example Sentences

This is another typical outcome of an adoptable dog going viral; it’s easy to like a post, but it doesn’t always result in any action.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2025

A spokesperson for DfI said it is developing new enforcement guidelines to deal with developers that "have not fulfilled their responsibility to provide infrastructure to an adoptable standard".

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

Dogs that had been labeled adoptable to the public were now being marked for euthanasia, the email said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

This is why we followed the livestream at the San Diego Zoo with the adoptable puppy livestream.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2024

But, in default of any explanation, he determined that the only adoptable line of defence was the one already formulated; to wit, that in slaying Weldon his client was temporarily deranged.

From The Truth About Tristrem Varick A Novel by Saltus, Edgar