scalability
skay-luh-BIL-ih-tee
/ˌskeɪ.ləˈbɪl.ə.ti/
The capacity to be changed in size or scale, specifically the ability of a system to handle a growing amount of work.
True scalability means the system can grow without a significant drop in performance or a disproportionate increase in cost.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'scala,' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase.' It implies the ability to climb higher or move up in steps.
Word relationships
- expandability: Expandability means you can add more; scalability means it will still work well when you do.
- extensibility: Extensibility refers to adding new features; scalability refers to adding more volume.
- rigidity: Rigidity is the inability to change or adapt, the opposite of scalability.
Commonly confused with
- growth: Growth is the act of getting bigger; scalability is the capacity to get bigger successfully.
Word family
- scalable (adjective): Able to be scaled.
- scale (verb): To change the size of something.
Collocations
- high scalability
- scalability issues
- horizontal scalability
- ensure scalability
Example sentences
- "Scalability is the ability of a system, network, or process to handle a growing amount of work in a capable manner or its potential to be enlarged to accommodate that growth." A formal definition in systems engineering. (André B. Bondi, Characteristics of Scalability)
- "The main advantage of cloud computing is its scalability; you can add more users instantly without buying new hardware." Evaluating a new software platform.
Memory hook
A 'scale' is a ladder; scalability is how many 'rungs' you can add to the ladder before it breaks. Build it bigger.
When not to use
Don't use it for things that just 'get bigger' (like a balloon); use it for systems that 'handle more' efficiently.
Fun facts
- In the 1990s, scalability became the 'holy grail' of Silicon Valley, as companies sought to serve millions of users with minimal staff.
Related words
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