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

Chenier said Family First Center is trying to be adaptable in the event that federal funding is cut. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025

These minor setbacks pale in comparison to the challenges faced by rivals like Man City, whose struggles can be attributed to a lack of tactical flexibility — a stark contrast to Chelsea’s adaptable approach. —Julia Ranney, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Lean, efficient, and adaptable organizations will thrive. —Frank Sorrentino, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Sign up for Axios Future of Defense Sam Sabin Mar 14, 2025 - Technology Malware's AI time bomb Hackers already have the AI tools needed to create the adaptable, destructive malware that security experts fear. —Sam Sabin, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above