Word
scalable
Phoneticsscal·able
US/ˈskeɪɫəbəɫ/
UK/skˈeɪləbəl/
Definition
adj. describing something that can grow or change easily to handle more work or more people. In business, it means a system that can handle a lot more customers without getting slower or more expensive.
adj. capable of being expanded or increased in size, capacity, or scope without a significant loss of efficiency or performance. Often used to describe business models, software architectures, or hardware systems.
Examples
“The new software is scalable and can handle thousands of users.”
“A scalable business model allows a company to increase its profits without needing to double its staff or physical space.”
“Cloud computing provides a scalable infrastructure where businesses can dynamically allocate resources based on current demand, eliminating the need for expensive physical servers that may sit idle during off-peak hours.”
Examples
simple
“The new software is scalable and can handle thousands of users.”
contextual
“A scalable business model allows a company to increase its profits without needing to double its staff or physical space.”
complex
“Cloud computing provides a scalable infrastructure where businesses can dynamically allocate resources based on current demand, eliminating the need for expensive physical servers that may sit idle during off-peak hours.”
Real-World Examples
“The Earth Prize version focused on developing the idea into a practical, market-ready product that was scalable.” Etymology
From scale + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/scalable