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.

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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

“POV: you are at an adoption event and all the adoptable dogs are getting attention except for …” the video reads as the camera pans before landing on Bob and me.

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

Experts might call that a good thing, since most rescues work with fosters, and it's healthier for adoptable felines to be cared for in private home settings than kenneled for long periods.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2024

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

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