Agency Dictionary

scalable

adjectivePronunciation: /ˈskeɪ.lə.bəl/

In Portuguese: escalável

What does “scalable” mean?

Able to grow in size, volume or reach without losing its function or having to be rebuilt. Said of systems, structures and businesses.

Etymology

From the verb scale (a graduated series or ladder, from Latin scala, ladder, steps) with the suffix -able. The image of a scale as a system that can be extended up or down gave scalable the meaning of something that can grow without losing its function or needing to be rebuilt from scratch.

Usage note

In technology and business, scalable describes systems or models that handle increased load without requiring a complete rebuild.

Synonyms

expandable
extensible

Word family

scale
scaling
scalability

Usage examples

That is how science, programming (hence, bugs and debugging), and math work because their purpose is to build scalable and long-lasting logical structures that are self-sustainable, where every dot, validates each other.
Design.0 - Beyond the Surface of Forms

Concept

Trial and ErrorTrial and error is a way of solving problems by trying one option after another and keeping what works until a solution is found. In the Agency editorial it is the engine…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Design.0 - Beyond the Surface of FormsMay 10, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

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Screennoun: A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
stakeholdernoun: A person or group with an interest in a project or an organization and affected by its results, such as clients, managers, investors or users.
Rendernoun: A finished two-dimensional image or video generated from a three-dimensional mathematical scene by computer software. It synthesizes geometric coordinates, lighting algorithms, textures, and shading into final pixels.
syntheticadjective: Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
androidnoun: A robot or synthetic organism designed to possess human form, movement, or intelligent behavior.
aqueductnoun: An engineered conduit or bridge designed to convey water from distant freshwater springs into urban centers using gravity flow.
Assistantnoun: A person or computational software program that provides aid, support, or automated services to facilitate work and handle routine tasks.
asynchronousadjective: Not occurring at the same time or coordinated simultaneously, describing workflows or interactions handled independently across time.
Baselinenoun: A clearly defined reference point or standard benchmark against which measurements and quality levels are compared. In industry analysis, it defines the current standard of work.
binaryadjective: Relating to or composed of two things, specifically a computational numbering system using base two digits.
Bottlenecknoun: A point of congestion or obstruction that impedes progress or restricts flow in a production or organizational system.

Also from these editions: terms

Equationnoun: A complex statement or problem involving balancing multiple interdependent factors, variables, or meanings.
Mazenoun: A complex network of interconnected paths, passages, or obstacles designed to puzzle and challenge navigation.
Discursiveadjective: Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
vocationnoun: A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
Synchronicitynoun: The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
Decompositionnoun: The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
recipientnoun: The person who receives something. In communication, the one to whom a message is addressed and who interprets it, as opposed to the sender who composes it.
iconnoun: A simplified image that represents a thing by resembling it. In semiotics, a sign that signifies through likeness; in digital interfaces, a small picture that stands for an object or a function.
Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
symbolismnoun: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, and the set of meanings that a form, an image or an object carries beyond its literal sense.
Desaturationnoun: The progressive loss or removal of chromatic intensity, rendering a color closer to a neutral gray.
Regenerativeadjective: Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.