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

See Examples For:

adoptable

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

Amid L.A.’s ongoing animal overpopulation crisis, healthy and adoptable pets are at constant risk of euthanasia for lack of space.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 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

During the 1980's, this occurred in the oil market, the art market, the market for adoptable children, and in new stock market offerings.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Mihai Nadin