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

Moore’s performance is as adaptable as Mary herself. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024

Dal, the ultimate comfort food for many across South Asia and its diaspora, is cheap, unfussy and adaptable. —Lisa Donovan, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024

Thermal batteries can help bridge this gap in industrial settings and may prove adaptable to existing systems. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024

These rabbits look for habitat along the edges of open spaces but are adaptable and can find homes in other habitats. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2024

The future of enterprise resource planning will be redefined by more efficient, adaptable, and accessible solutions. —Tony Bradley, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Remaining adaptable and continuously updating skills ensure competitiveness in evolving industries. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Multimodal models have proven adaptable to many different use cases. —Will Knight, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2024

With a reasonable $70 price tag, this Bright Starts swing is a little basic but offers surprisingly smart features, including adaptable speed technology, music, a toy bar, and reclining abilities. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above