adaptable

adjective

adapt·​able ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl How to pronounce adaptable (audio)
a-
: capable of being or becoming adapted
plants that are easily adaptable to colder climates
adaptability noun
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 The adaptable mineral pigments lend a brightening effect that looks radiant and natural at the same time. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2023 Skillet Turkey Kielbasa With Lentils and Kale Total time: 20 mins This one-pan recipe is easily adaptable depending on your preferred type of sausage or greens. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023 The birds are adaptable in many environments and forage for a variety of food. Devika Rao, The Week, 9 Sep. 2023 This pendant light is adaptable to sloped ceilings, has an adjustable height, and can be dimmed to deliver the perfect overhead glow day or night. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2023 To remain a living document, the Constitution needs to be adaptable to changing times, perspectives and conditions. Dan Balz and Clara Ence Morse, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Aug. 2023 The key to being adaptable in a fast-changing environment is to have a diverse toolkit at your disposal. Foreign Affairs, 9 Aug. 2023 Charge your devices anywhere in the world with an adaptable charger and coordinating leather case. Alicia Banilivy, Harper's BAZAAR, 29 Aug. 2023 Dolby Atmos is about to get a whole lot more adaptable. Chris Welch, The Verge, 28 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptable was in 1692

Dictionary Entries Near adaptable

Cite this Entry

“Adaptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptable. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

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