adoptable

American  

[uh-dop-tuh-buhl] / əˈdɒp tə bəl /

adjective

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

   an adoptable child; a resolution found to be adoptable.

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noun

1. a child who is considered suitable for adoption.

   fewer adoptables than in previous years.

Other Word Forms

• adoptability noun
• nonadoptable adjective
• unadoptable adjective

Etymology

Origin of adoptable

First recorded in 1835–45; adopt + -able

Example Sentences

It wasn’t for Bob—very few of Bob’s 112 applicants were good matches for him—and it hasn’t been for many other adoptable dogs who have gone viral.

From Slate • Sep. 4, 2025

Amid L.A.’s ongoing animal overpopulation crisis, healthy and adoptable pets are at constant risk of euthanasia for lack of space.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

But in some cases of unadopted developments, the value of the bond is not enough to cover the cost of extensive repair works needed to bring it to an adoptable standard.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2025

This is why we followed the livestream at the San Diego Zoo with the adoptable puppy livestream.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2024

Genetic traits are identified and matched in the genetic banks of adoptable children.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai