adaptable

1 of 2

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

adaptability

2 of 2

noun

adapt·​abil·​i·​ty ə-ˌdap-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē  a- 

: the quality or state of being adaptable

the adaptability of the subject to varied art forms

youth's adaptability to new surroundings

Synonyms of adaptable

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

Such hands-on learning, in turn, develops versatile, adaptable talent, producing graduates who can pivot across jobs as industries, technologies and opportunities evolve. — Raghupathy Sivakumar, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Outside of her powerful social media presence, Brooke also launched ALStogether, an online space for people with the disease to connect, and worked with Silverts to create a collection of stylish adaptable clothing. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

That modular approach is intended to keep ROMULUS adaptable as the Navy’s requirements and operating environments evolve. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

Without structured organizational support, even the most capable and adaptable employees will face limits. — Christine Muldoon, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

adapt + -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1692, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1661, in the meaning defined above