Definition of scalable
1 : capable of being scaled
2 : capable of being easily expanded or upgraded on demand a scalable computer network
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of scalable from the Web
-
Prime, riding on Toyota’s new scalable chassis architecture, rectifies that.
-
The 2019 Jetta is all but guaranteed to ride on the brand’s MQB scalable architecture.
-
In addition to ridiculously scalable performance, the game also finds a pretty incredible balance between diametrically opposed rendering priorities: making your fighters easily visible, and making them look gorgeously lit.
-
Recently, however, a massive wave of new national and highly scalable alternative online lenders (non-bank companies) has entered the market.
-
The second annual conference is for those who build, fund, and support scalable startups, according to Launch League.
-
The incubator seeks to partner with local food entrepreneurs pursuing sustainability and a scalable business model.
-
There are a lot of pluses to owning rental real estate: diversifying from the usual investments of stocks and bonds; offering an alternative stream of income; and creating a potentially scalable business.
-
RPO solutions ease the pressures brought on by dynamic workforce changes by delivering scalable models that adapt based on your company’s unique workforce situation.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scalable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of scalable
circa 1580
Financial Definition of SCALABLE
scalable
What It Is
Scalability refers to a company's ability to increase its production profitably.
How It Works
Let's assume it costs Company XYZ $1 million to produce 1 million widgets per year ($1 per widget). This $1 million cost includes $500,000 of administrative, insurance and marketing expenses, which are generally fixed. If Company XYZ decides to produce 2 million widgets next year, its total production costs may only rise to $1.5 million ($0.75 per widget) because it can spread its fixed costs over more units. This means Company XYZ has scalability. Although Company XYZ's total costs increase from $1 million to $1.5 million, each widget becomes less expensive to produce and therefore more profitable.
The idea of scalability is based on economies of scale, which refers to the reduction of per-unit costs through an increase in production volume.
Why It Matters
Operational efficiencies create scalability. These efficiencies often are the result of division or specialization of labor, reorganization of key processes, the implementation of new technology, and bulk materials purchases.
Scalability is a huge competitive advantage. A lack of it can discourage new competitors from entering a market or eliminate smaller competitors. This is why it can lead to an oligopoly, where only a few companies produce the majority of an industry's output. Sometimes scalability can even lead one company to dominate an industry; this is called a natural monopoly.
SCALABLE Defined for English Language Learners
scalable
playDefinition of scalable for English Language Learners
-
: easy to make larger, more powerful, etc.
Learn More about scalable
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up scalable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!