expandable
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkspˈændəbəl/
US
- /ɪkˈspændəbəl/
Description
- able to stretch
- able to grow
- able to hold more
Imagine a waistband on your favorite jeans – if it's expandable, it can stretch to accommodate a bigger meal! That's the basic idea behind "expandable." It means something has the ability to grow larger in size, volume, or scope. Think of an expandable suitcase for extra luggage, or an expandable list in computer programming that lets you add more items.
It isn't just about physical things. A company might describe its business model as expandable, meaning it can grow and take on new customers or projects without much trouble. A set of tools or features can also be expandable if more parts can be added later. The word suggests room for growth, flexibility, and change.
"Expandable" describes something that is capable of being made larger, increased in size, volume, scope, or capacity. It suggests a built-in ability to accommodate growth or change without breaking or becoming unusable.
Think about the world around you: an expandable garden hose that stretches when you turn on the water, an expandable foam sealant that fills gaps and cracks, or even an expandable universe (according to scientists!). These all share the characteristic of being able to increase in size beyond their original form.
But "expandable" isn't limited to physical objects. It's often used in a broader way. A business might have an expandable team, meaning it can add more people when needed. A piece of software or a system can also be expandable if new features, storage, or capacity can be added over time.
The key is the potential for growth. Something that's already large isn't necessarily expandable – it's just big! But something designed with extra room, flexibility, or capacity is expandable. It suggests foresight and adaptability, a readiness to grow and evolve. So next time you encounter something that can stretch, increase, or accommodate more, remember the power of "expandable."
Examples
- 1
Furniture
We bought an expandable dining table for family dinners.
- 2
Travel
She packed everything into an expandable suitcase.
- 3
Computer storage
This laptop has expandable storage, so you can add more space later.
- 4
App interface
The app uses expandable sections to keep the screen from looking crowded.
Phrase
expandable sections
parts you can open to show more information
- 5
Business plan
The basic plan is expandable if your team needs more users in the future.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- expandableadjective