adaptable

adjective

adapt·​able ə-ˈdap-tə-bəl How to pronounce adaptable (audio)
a-
: capable of being or becoming adapted
plants that are easily adaptable to colder climates
adaptability noun
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Aligning these factors with your organization’s needs ensures a strong, adaptable security posture that protects and supports your business in the long term. Candan Bolukbas, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Vici Collection Itzel Wide-leg Jumpsuit $64 at Nordstrom Few clothing items are as adaptable as a jumpsuit. Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2024 Each structure is adaptable and capable of providing solitude, allowing small-scale social interactions, as well as much larger events with hundreds of people in attendance. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 Do those of us who are adaptable and a little shallow—not in values, necessarily, but in how sentiment inscribes itself—suffer from our lack of rootedness? Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adaptable 

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptable was in 1692

Dictionary Entries Near adaptable

Cite this Entry

“Adaptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptable. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

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