adaptable

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

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

Mustard (Dijon) Maille Dijon Mustard is an extremely adaptable emulsifier, adding hits of pepper and vinegar without artificial yellow coloring.

— alex delany, Bon Appetit, "The 10 Staples to Always Keep in Your Pantry," 24 July 2017
The A8's suspension is adaptable, capable of adjusting based on road conditions and drivers' preferences.

— aric jenkins, Fortune, "Audi’s New Self-Driving A8 Is Perfect for Dealing With Traffic Jams," 11 July 2017
The C-130, a four-engine turboprop built by Lockheed Martin, is a workhorse of the American military, a highly adaptable aircraft that entered service more than 60 years ago, with more than 2,500 built.

— ellen ann fentress, richard pÉrez-peÑa and dave philipps, New York Times, "At Crash Site of Marine Corps Plane, Bodies ‘Were Everywhere’," 11 July 2017
Excellent flexibility of components and adaptable space.

— Cincinnati.com, "Nagel students design Anderson’s birthing center," 22 June 2017
Manufacturers are working to make aircraft more adaptable to bumpy rides, and to provide technology that can better predict and detect clear-air turbulence.

— zach wichter, New York Times, "Too Hot to Fly? Climate Change May Take a Toll on Air Travel," 20 June 2017
Guys of any age probably see the value of clothes that are convertible and adaptable, not just cool.

— Vogue, "Grazie, Milano: Vogue’s Editors Discuss Milan’s Spring 2018 Menswear Shows," 20 June 2017
Of the consensus top-four prospects (Fultz, Ball, Jackson and Duke's Jayson Tatum), Jackson is the most adaptable to a roster that already has a ball-dominant guard.

— luke winn, SI.com, "NBA Draft: The Value Of Josh Jackson," 19 June 2017
Luckily the human sense of smell is very adaptable.

— NBC News, "How Space Travel Affects Our Health," 19 June 2017

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

see adapt

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First Known Use: 1692

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adaptable Synonyms

Synonyms

versatile, all-around (also all-round), protean, universal

Antonyms

established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable

Related Words

general-purpose, mixed-use, multipurpose; well-rounded; able, ace, adept, experienced, expert, masterful, proficient, skilled, skillful; adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, variable

Near Antonyms

limited; amateur, inexperienced

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.