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 of adaptable

• 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

While the size of Taiwan’s economy is dwarfed by leading global powers, Wu added, its small and medium-sized enterprises are nimble, adaptable and attuned to global trends. —John Liu, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

The researchers say the framework could be a step toward more adaptable and capable humanoid systems. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

That combination of intelligence, composure, and athleticism turned her into one of the most adaptable players on the Spirit roster. —Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025

This configuration supports our ability to be flexible and adaptable, and to approach change with curiosity rather than fear. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above