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

Prof Gustavo Sudre, a neuroimaging and AI researcher at King's College London, commented: "This research looks to be a significant step towards scalable, interpretable, and – most importantly – ethically responsible form of predictive modelling in medicine."

From BBC

A DoorDash spokesperson said the company is encouraged by the steps taken “towards making drone delivery a scalable, safe, and reliable option for more communities across the country.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It shows that wave energy can be deployed right here, along existing port infrastructure, without harming the ocean, without taking up valuable space and in a scalable way.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is what made them such easily scalable solutions to the housing crisis of decades past.

From Los Angeles Times

"We need rapid and scalable production to protect our people, defend our sovereignty and deter aggression. That means resilient supply chains which stretch across Europe," said Mr Armstrong.

From BBC

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.