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

Be adaptable, as your plans with friends and loved ones may change on a whim. —Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025

Native Americans also believed spiderwort to be a sign of strength and endurance, possibly because the plant is adaptable to different conditions, though not in my yard. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025

Develop clear, adaptable templates for common crisis scenarios—like product issues or PR missteps—with consistent brand tone and key messages. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

American Bittersweet An adaptable, fast-growing woody vine, American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) will quickly cover a fence or arbor. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above