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

Related Stories The conversation opened with Korea’s webtoon ecosystem, a prolific source of globally adaptable IP. —Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025

With seven adaptable meeting rooms and an outdoor terrace known as The Nest, the hotel provides a focused and private environment for rest, recovery, and team operations. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025

Instead of pay, flexible and adaptable work is one of the main drivers to having young talent stick around—with reports finding flexibility outvalues compensation. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

Stocks have been remarkably adaptable, defying concerns about a resurgence in global trade tensions and bouts of intense volatility. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above