adoptable

[ uh-dop-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being adopted; suitable or eligible for adoption:

   an adoptable child; a resolution found to be adoptable.

noun

1. a child who is considered suitable for adoption:

   fewer adoptables than in previous years.

Other Words From

• a·dopta·bili·ty noun
• nona·dopta·ble adjective
• una·dopta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adoptable¹

First recorded in 1835–45; adopt + -able

Example Sentences

And as the polls closed, we followed that up with a stream of cuddly adoptable puppies from Hit Living Dog Rescue.

From Salon

“Our mission is to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia.”

From Seattle Times

Having so many companies creating their own designs and logistics can be expensive, causing them to miss out on economies of scale that could make reuse more affordable and easily adoptable.

From Salon

Our mission: To help end the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs and improving pet retention.

From Seattle Times

Lancaster has only 176 dog kennels, but from October to December 2023, an average of 821 dogs came in each month, making euthanasia for space a regular occurrence, even among highly adoptable, healthy, social dogs.

From Los Angeles Times