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

One smart way to sell qualifications is to communicate the willingness to be adaptable to innovations and tactical strategies. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Additionally, adaptable technology providers should offer scalability and customization, which allows brands to grow while leveraging increasingly sophisticated automation and analytics tools. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 21 May 2025

Bold Takes Texas Caviar has since proven to be quite an adaptable recipe. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025

The country already has some important advantages: its open economy, lacking in natural resources, has achieved significant market and product diversification, and its entrepreneurs are astute and adaptable. —Mustafa Kutlay, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above