scalable

American  

[skey-luh-buhl] / ˈskeɪ lə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being scaled: scale: scaled.

   the scalable slope of a mountain.

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scalable British  

/ ˈskeɪləbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being scaled or climbed

2. computing (of a network) able to be expanded to cope with increased use

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• scalableness noun
• scalably adverb
• unscalable adjective

Etymology

Origin of scalable

First recorded in 1570–80; scale ³ + -able

Explanation

When something's scalable, it's possible to change its size to suit your needs. Your lemonade stand is scalable if you can easily, quickly make more lemonade and obtain more cups to meet increased demand. You can use this adjective in two ways. First, it can mean "adaptable" or "able to grow." This is often used in business, but you can describe many things this way. Your bird feeder is scalable if it works for a single sparrow but can also fit a dozen grackles. Things are also scalable when you can climb over, or scale, them: "The hill on the obstacle course is low and easily scalable."

Example Sentences

Strengthening U.S. supply chains at this critical time requires solutions to make the system more efficient and scalable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Rheinmetall said the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have increased demand for scalable strike systems to thousands per year, and could still grow to tens of thousands over time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

This work creates new possibilities for building quantum systems that are both scalable and reliable.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Researchers say the approach offers a "practical, scalable solution" to the "widespread loss" of essential coastal ecosystems.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Compton specified that the work would have to be done at breakneck speed and that the process would have to be scalable to an industrial level.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• extensible