# vertical scaling

CEFR C1 · Compound

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

## Definition

adding more power, like a faster processor or more memory, to a single computer or server to help it handle more work.

For teachers: the process of increasing the capacity of a single machine or node by adding resources such as CPU, RAM, or storage. Often contrasted with horizontal scaling, which involves adding more machines to a system.

## Examples

- We chose vertical scaling by adding more RAM to our main server.
- When the database started running slowly during peak hours, the team decided on vertical scaling to increase the server's processing power.
- Vertical scaling offers the advantage of simplicity in software architecture, as it avoids the complexities of distributed computing, though it is eventually limited by the hardware specifications of a single machine.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in cloud computing and database management contexts.

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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.