# scalable

/ˈskeɪɫəbəɫ/ (US) · /skˈeɪləbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scalable
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

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.