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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

Etymology

Origin of adoptable

First recorded in 1835–45; adopt + -able

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Catnip Coalition in Burbank is a vintage shop with cat-themed decor, two shop cats named Franklin and Nigel and a rotating crew of adoptable cats.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 8, 2026

Cats and Stray Cat Alliance, and works closely with the groups to highlight adoptable cats in the storefront’s showcase windows.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 7, 2026

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

But in some cases of unadopted developments, the value of the bond is not enough to cover the cost of extensive repair works needed to bring it to an adoptable standard.

From BBC Feb. 13, 2025

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 Edgar Saltus

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