adaptable

adjective

adapt·​able ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl 

a-

: capable of being or becoming adapted

plants that are easily adaptable to colder climates

adaptability

ə-ˌdap-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

a-

noun

Synonyms

• versatile

Choose the Right Synonym for adaptable

plastic, pliable, pliant, ductile, malleable, adaptable mean susceptible of being modified in form or nature.

plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

Examples of adaptable in a Sentence

an adaptable tool that combines a screwdriver, a corkscrew, and pliers

an activities director who's adaptable to any kind of situation

Recent Examples on the Web

Flexible, adaptable, and capable of navigating spaces once unreachable, these robots are designed to move like living organisms, transforming how doctors perform surgeries or how engineers inspect machinery. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

However, the human mind is remarkably adaptable. —Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025

They’re billed as potentially less expensive, safer, easier to build and adaptable because modules can be added as more power is needed. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025

San Jose has also adapted its shelter approach to lower some of the social barriers preventing unhoused residents from moving indoors, including individual rooms, a more adaptable pet policy and no curfew or sobriety requirements. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above