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Scalable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scalable

[ˈskeɪ.lə.bəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

technology

Capable of being easily expanded or upgraded on demand to meet the changing needs or demands of a business or organization.

Synonyms

adjustable, expandable, flexible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scalable

Used in technology and business contexts to describe systems or processes that can grow or shrink in size and capability based on demand.

  • The cloud service is highly scalable, allowing us to add more storage as needed.
  • Our business model is scalable, meaning we can expand operations without significant increases in cost.
expandable

Used when talking about systems, objects, or spaces that have the potential to increase in size or capacity.

  • The table is expandable, perfect for hosting guests.
  • Our new software is expandable with additional modules.
flexible

Describes something or someone that can adapt easily to different situations, often relating to schedules, materials, or approaches.

  • She has a flexible schedule and can meet at any time.
  • The material is flexible, making it easy to bend without breaking.
adjustable

Applied in both everyday and technical contexts to describe items or features that can be changed or modified to suit different needs or conditions.

  • The office chair is adjustable for different heights.
  • She bought a dress with an adjustable waistline to ensure it fits well.

Examples of usage

  • We need a scalable solution to accommodate our growing user base.
  • The cloud infrastructure allows for scalable resources to be allocated as needed.
Context #2 | Adjective

business

Able to handle growth without compromising performance or quality.

Synonyms

adaptable, resilient, robust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scalable

Used when referring to systems, businesses, or solutions that can grow and manage increased demands effectively. Commonly used in technology, business strategies, and software.

  • Our new software is scalable and can handle any number of users.
  • The business model is highly scalable, allowing for rapid expansion without significant additional costs.
adaptable

Describes someone or something able to adjust to new conditions or environments. Often used in a context requiring flexibility and quick adjustment, such as job roles or personal skills.

  • She is very adaptable and thrives in fast-changing environments.
  • An adaptable strategy is essential for companies looking to stay competitive.
robust

Used to describe systems, mechanisms, or approaches strong enough to withstand challenging conditions or heavy use. Often used in technology, engineering, and health contexts.

  • The robust design of the bridge ensures that it can endure heavy traffic for years.
  • We need a robust solution to handle the demands of the new project.
resilient

Refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks. Frequently used for describing people, ecosystems, or materials and often has a positive, motivational tone.

  • After the crisis, the company proved to be resilient and bounced back stronger than ever.
  • The resilient fabric can withstand heavy usage without tearing.

Examples of usage

  • This software is highly scalable and can support our company's expansion.
  • The scalable design of the building allows for future additions without major renovations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

  • A scalable business model can increase its revenue without a corresponding increase in costs, making it attractive for investors.
  • Tech companies often aim for 'scalability' to enable rapid growth and adaptability in changing markets.

Science and Technology

  • In software engineering, scalable architecture allows applications to manage larger amounts of data and users without crashing.
  • Scalable renewable energy solutions are crucial for expanding capacity to meet growing energy demands.

Psychology

  • Scalability in educational approaches means adapting lessons for larger groups without sacrificing student engagement.
  • Personal development methods can be scalable, allowing individuals to grow their skills over time without feeling overwhelmed.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of online streaming services demonstrated the need for scalable systems to support millions of users watching content simultaneously.
  • Mobile apps that can accommodate more users seamlessly illustrate the importance of scalability in today's digital landscape.

Origin of 'scalable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'scala,' meaning 'ladder' or 'stairs,' suggesting something that can climb or expand upward.
  • In computing, the word started appearing in the 1980s to describe systems that could handle increased loads without performance loss.

The term 'scalable' originated in the field of computing to describe systems or applications that can handle increased workloads or growth without negatively impacting performance. Over time, it has been adopted in various industries, including business and technology, to refer to the ability to expand or adapt easily to changing circumstances or demands.

See also: downscale, scale, scaled, scales, scaling, upscale.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,928, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.