adaptable

1 of 2

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

adaptability

2 of 2

noun

adapt·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌdap-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē  a- 

: the quality or state of being adaptable

the adaptability of the subject to varied art forms

youth's adaptability to new surroundings

Synonyms of adaptable

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

Blue Star 'Storm Cloud' is a beautiful and adaptable long-lasting perennial with blooms in the spring. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

But critics of offering the shorter course of study say traditional four-year programs expose students to a broader range of educational experiences, which helps foster their critical thinking skills and produces graduates who are more adaptable to the ever-changing professional world. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026

The new family of vehicles is being developed under a modernization contract, with American Rheinmetall responsible for combat vehicle integration, modular architecture, adaptable mission-kit interfaces, and mission systems engineering. —David Szondy june 03, New Atlas, 3 June 2026

Saronic aims to transition autonomous shipping from prototyping to large-scale production by integrating this adaptable platform with a fast manufacturing strategy. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

adapt + -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1661, in the meaning defined above