# autoscaling

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/autoscaling
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a system that automatically adds or removes computer power based on how many people are using a website or app. It helps keep things running smoothly when it gets busy and saves money when it is quiet.

For teachers: the process of dynamically adjusting the number of active computing resources in a server farm or cloud environment based on real-time load. Often used in cloud computing to maintain performance while minimising costs.

## Examples

- The website uses autoscaling to handle extra traffic during sales.
- By implementing autoscaling, the startup ensured their application remained responsive during the viral marketing campaign without overpaying for idle servers.
- Efficient autoscaling relies on sophisticated monitoring metrics that trigger the provisioning of additional virtual machines before the existing infrastructure reaches a critical bottleneck.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in technical and business contexts related to cloud infrastructure and software engineering.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.