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 key is to remain adaptable, focused and committed to continuous improvement—both personally and organizationally. —Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Parenting is about being adaptable, self-reflective, and attentive to your child's unique needs. —Alex Vance, Parents, 9 Dec. 2024

Having to adjust to script changes on set on the fly also pushed Kreider to become a more confident and adaptable actor. —Sara Merican, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024

This ensures Operators are accurate, reliable, and adaptable to industry-specific needs while maintaining high-quality outputs. —Gerui Wang, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -able

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above