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

Athletic apparel brands, such as Nike, Adidas and Lululemon, may sell more clothing because their stretchier leggings and tops tend to be more adaptable to changing bodies and because weight loss may spark GLP-1 users to become more active than before. —Melissa Repko, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026

This tough, adaptable evergreen is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and requires no pruning or pampering. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

To receive the sandy-toed masses, Boyle, working closely with the wife and Vicente-Burin Architects, conceived the new main and guest houses as elastic environments—airy, adaptable spaces suited for the ebb and flow of beachside entertaining. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

The lesson of history, in some sense, is that being adaptable, and having curiosity and a willingness to try out new technologies and new tools, that’s where young people have have flourished the most in the past. —Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above