scalability
skay-luh-BIL-i-tee
/ˌskeɪləˈbɪlɪti/
The capacity to be changed in size or scale; the ability of a business or system to grow without being hampered by its structure.
Crucial in modern business; it means you can handle 1,000 customers as easily as 10.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'scala', meaning 'ladder'. Scalability is the measure of how well your business can 'climb the ladder' of success without falling over.
Word relationships
- expandability: Expandability often refers to physical space; scalability refers to the efficiency of growth.
- rigidity: The inability to change or adapt to different scales.
Commonly confused with
- growth: Growth is getting bigger; scalability is the ability to get bigger efficiently.
Word family
- scale (verb): To increase in size or reach.
- scalable (adjective): Able to be scaled.
Collocations
- business scalability
- system scalability
- infinite scalability
- lack of scalability
Example sentences
- "Scalability is the key difference between a small business and a high-growth startup." Reid Hoffman on startup growth.
Memory hook
Scale the ladder. If your business has scalability, the ladder is strong and infinite. Scalability = Scale the Ability.
When not to use
Don't use for a person's ability to climb; use 'climbing ability'.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, 'scaling' referred mostly to climbing walls during a siege.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.