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

• all-around
• all-round
• protean
• universal
• 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

Its adaptable, low-profile design fits into a variety of spaces without the bulk of traditional units. —Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025

These foundational elements – robust infrastructure, accessible data, adaptable governance – might not grab headlines like breakthroughs in model training. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Approaching your home as a flexible, adaptable space will keep it from ever looking outdated. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025

On the one hand, the designs are simple and easily adaptable to numerous different homes. —Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above