expandable

expandable — adjective

1. describes something that can be made larger in size, capacity, or extent by addi

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes something that can be made larger in size, capacity, or extent by adding to it or adjusting it.

Example

The kitchen table is expandable—it seats up to twelve when guests come for dinner.

predicative: be + expandable (physical objects)

Vinícius bought an expandable suitcase for the family trip to Japan.

attributive: expandable + noun (product feature)

Common collocations
  • expandable table
  • expandable suitcase
  • expandable storage
  • expandable system
  • expandable software
  • expandable design
  • expandable watch band
  • expandable bag
Synonyms
  • extendable

    focuses on making something longer (e.g. a table, a ladder), not wider or larger in capacity

  • stretchable

    implies elasticity and pulling, used for fabrics, bands, or flexible materials

  • scalable

    used mainly for systems, technology, or business processes that can grow in performance or size

Antonyms
  • fixed

    cannot change in size or capacity

  • rigid

    stiff and unbending; unable to be made larger

Grammar Patterns

be + expandable

expandable + noun

expandable to + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often used in product descriptions to highlight flexibility or upgradeability. Can describe both physical objects (furniture, luggage) and abstract systems (software, storage).

Common Mistakes

This bag is expandable to carry more items.' (ungrammatical use of 'to')
This bag is expandable, so it can carry more items.
use a separate clause instead of a bare to-infinitive after expandable.
I need an expand computer.
I need an expandable computer.
expandable is an adjective; expand is a verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four describe the ability to become larger, but they differ in scope. Expandable is the broadest term — it covers physical objects (furniture, luggage) and abstract systems (software, storage) that can increase in size, capacity, or extent. Extendable specifically means 'capable of being made longer,' so you would call a ladder or a table leaf extendable but not a suitcase. Stretchable involves elasticity and pulling — rubber bands and yoga pants are stretchable, but a fence is not. Scalable is the narrowest, reserved for technology, business models, or systems that can handle growth in scale or volume. For everyday use ('this bag is expandable'), expandable is the safest choice; for technical writing about servers or databases, scalable fits better.

expandable ↗extendablestretchablescalable ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • expandable system
  • expandable product
  • expandable design
  • expandable storage
  • expandable solution

Adverbs

  • easily expandable
  • fully expandable
  • infinitely expandable
  • readily expandable

Prepositions

  • expandable to

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word expandable was formed in English by combining the verb expand (from Latin expandere, meaning 'to spread out') with the suffix -able ('capable of being'). The first recorded uses date from the early 19th century, and it became more common as manufactured products (luggage, furniture, electronics) began to feature adjustable or modular designs.