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

Because charter schools are proving to be engines of talent development, economic mobility, and innovation in cities and states hungry for a skilled, adaptable workforce. —Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

Initially, such adaptable machines could be used in challenging environments like disaster zones or outer space. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025

The ability to operate in such conditions could arguably make their systems more adaptable. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 July 2025

In reality, van Gisbergen happens to just be an exceptionally adaptable driver, as evidenced by his ability to switch sides of the car and shift with different hands. —Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above