scalable

[skey-luh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being scaled: scale: scaled.

   the scalable slope of a mountain.

scalable

/ ˈskeɪləbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being scaled or climbed

2. computing (of a network) able to be expanded to cope with increased use

Other Word Forms

• scalableness noun
• scalably adverb
• unscalable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalable¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scale ³ + -able

Example Sentences

"Germanium is already a workhorse material for advanced semiconductor technologies, so by showing it can also become superconducting under controlled growth conditions there's now potential for scalable, foundry-ready quantum devices."

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By contrast with other DNA search masks currently being researched, the ETH researchers' approach is scalable.

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“Low-cost, large-scale battery energy storage has emerged as the most immediate and scalable solution to enable AI factory deployment and unlock stranded grid and generation capacity,” Redwood said in a statement.

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The company has used its “scalable and open foundation to innovate at rapid pace to meet growing demand across hybrid cloud and AI.”

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Default annuities may not be perfect, but they are a smart, scalable and equitable step toward closing the retirement income gap.

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Related Words

• extensible 

When To Use

What does scalable mean?

Scalable means able to be expanded or made bigger. It’s especially applied to small businesses and computer networks.This sense of the word is based on the noun scale, referring to the size or extent of something. The related phrase scale up means to expand something or make it bigger. A company considered scalable is one that can be scaled up—it can use the same business model with a much larger operation. The term is especially used in the context of startups that could potentially become very large companies. A computer network or other virtual entity that’s scalable is one that can be expanded while allowing for increased use or additional computing capacity.Unrelatedly, scalable means able to be climbed. This sense of the word is based on the verb scale, meaning to climb.Example: It’s an interesting business model, but it’s not scalable—to expand, you’d need an unsustainable amount of raw materials and infrastructure.