adaptable

adjective adapt·able \ ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl , a- \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

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Examples: adaptable in a Sentence

Definition of adaptable

: capable of being or becoming adapted

plants that are easily adaptable to colder climates

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adaptability

play \-ˌdap-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

See adaptable defined for English-language learners

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 of adaptable from the Web

Governments that have embraced large migrations have greatly benefitted from them by utilizing, rather than fearing, the inflow of new residents to fuel economic growth and diversity, making their countries more competitive and adaptable to change.

— miamiherald, "Leigh-Ann Buchanan," 5 June 2018
Producers and designers started to appreciate the cultural tenacity, textural uniqueness and overall usefulness of these plants and started to scour the globe for attractive and adaptable grasses to use in landscapes and gardens.

— paul cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "For your Kentucky gardens, ornamental grasses are the way to go," 1 June 2018
Simeone possess one of the most adaptable squads in Europe which boasts an efficient backline and a proficient strike force.

— SI.com, "Europa League Final Preview: Recent Form, Classic Encounter, Team News & More," 15 May 2018
This is indicative of a general pattern — Self came to Kansas stubborn, stuck in his ways, but is now among the nation's most adaptable star coaches.

— sam mellinger, kansascity, "Bill Self's greatest strength seen in KU group of non-stars on doorstep of Final Four | The Kansas City Star," 24 Mar. 2018
And Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury’s classic 1953 novel, is a perfectly adaptable cautionary tale.

— adi robertson, The Verge, "HBO’s Fahrenheit 451 turns a warning about media into a tirade against tech trends," 19 May 2018
Our game plan starts with making a few simple, adaptable, and delicious recipes that will hold up in the fridge.

— the healthyish team, Bon Appetit, "40 Healthy Meal Prep Recipes We're Psyched to Eat All Week Long," 4 May 2018
The improvements in lasers make its technology more powerful, adaptable and reliable, according to the company.

— mike rogoway, OregonLive.com, "Laser manufacturer nLight begins trading Thursday - Silicon Forest's first IPO in 14 years," 25 Apr. 2018
Where evolution was previously thought to take millions of years, scientists now think an animal like the hare could adapt in five to 10 generations, especially if those parts of the hare population that are more adaptable are protected.

— author: livia albeck ripka, brad plumer, Anchorage Daily News, "5 plants and animals utterly confused by climate change," 10 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adaptable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of adaptable

adapt + -able

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First Known Use: 1692

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

adaptable Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.