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

Beans are immensely affordable, uniquely adaptable and flexible. —Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026

The company believes that directional borehole disposal could provide robust and deep isolation for many types of radioactive waste, provide flexibility in repository siting, as well as allow for modular implementation adaptable to specific waste management programs and inventories. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026

Access to a diverse, adaptable, and open workforce willing to upskill is critical to success. —Abdulla Belhoul, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026

Even the most adaptable vehicles cannot safely make the tip on the rugged terrain. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above