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

• adoptability noun
• nonadoptable adjective
• unadoptable adjective

Etymology

Origin of adoptable

First recorded in 1835–45; adopt + -able

Example Sentences

His latest ad debuts during Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl,” a pregame show that features two teams of adoptable dogs tussling over toys in a model football stadium.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026

It wasn’t for Bob—very few of Bob’s 112 applicants were good matches for him—and it hasn’t been for many other adoptable dogs who have gone viral.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2025

DfI say it is the responsibility of the developer to bring Kildrum "up 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

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