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

CaaS is transforming industries with offerings like business fleet cards and eco-friendly payments to adaptable solutions for the gig economy. —Mohamed Madkour, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Highly adaptable (5.5 to 8.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10 This southeast native is a prolific bloomer, producing vibrant canary-yellow flowers as early as January (depending on location) and continuing through May. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024

The urban landscape demands solutions that are as adaptable and dynamic as the people navigating it. —New Atlas, 22 Dec. 2024

Slot, so adaptable in his style, is building a team that plays with conviction regardless of the personnel deployed. —Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above