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

The offices that thrive in this new phase will be those that establish clear and adaptable roles, cultivate a culture of institutional memory, and utilize technology and partnerships to maximize the potential of small, high-impact teams. —Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

The more adaptable the schedule, the more positively employees view their company’s policies, the Cisco report also found. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 13 June 2025

Act: Carry out your plan and stay adaptable as the environment shifts. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025

Mentorship—long known for its individual impact—is also a lever for strengthening teams, bridging generational divides, and preparing a more adaptable, resilient workforce. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above