scalable

adjective

scal·​able ˈskā-lə-bəl How to pronounce scalable (audio)
1
: capable of being scaled
2
: capable of being easily expanded or upgraded on demand
a scalable computer network
scalability noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Globally, trees are the most scalable and cost-effective tool in the fight against climate change. Dan Lambe, Treehugger, 23 Mar. 2023 Scientists have to walk a delicate line — design a method that’s scalable and effective enough to actually affect the climate without adversely affecting the environment in the process. Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 11 Feb. 2023 It's based on the scalable Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that can be lengthened, lifted, and widened for a variety of different EV models. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 6 Feb. 2023 The highly scalable architecture should be powerful enough to execute large-scale, complex quantum computational problems, regardless of the structure of the problem. Paul Smith-goodson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023 Foreman believes the flowers are only the beginning of a scalable and transferrable form of community engagement. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2022 Critics warn that biogas has many limitations, and shouldn’t distract from developing more scalable and permanent climate solutions. Kavitha Yarlagadda, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2022 The filmmaker looked to address the issue by focusing on action, and by offering scalable and effective solutions. Ben Croll, Variety, 9 Sep. 2022 Leaders should work with their IT teams to ensure that their data infrastructure is scalable and can meet future needs. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scalable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scalable was circa 1580

Dictionary Entries Near scalable

Cite this Entry

“Scalable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalable. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

scalable

adjective
scal·​able ˈskā-lə-bəl How to pronounce scalable (audio)
1
: capable of being scaled
2
: capable of being easily expanded or improved on demand
a scalable computer network
scalability noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scalable

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