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 Ben is adaptable in many situations — in the leading role, or in a supporting role, directed by a student peer, or directed by a faculty member. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Oat flour is the Phoebe Waller-Bridge of gluten-free flours: easy to love, endlessly adaptable, and subverting old ideas of what feels possible. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024 Warren’s pop style is adaptable enough to entice singers as different as Leann Rimes, Jennifer Hudson and Lady Gaga, all of them among the talking heads here. Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris – Tough, adaptable and smart, these starlings were brought to the U.S. in 1890 and occupy most of the country. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 By rethinking job descriptions and hiring requirements, fostering a flexible and inclusive workplace and adapting to the changing demands of the digital era, workforce planners can significantly expand their talent pool and build a future workforce that is agile, diverse, innovative and adaptable. Rafael Castaneda, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The manager is adroit, adaptable, extremely handsome. Rory Smith, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 These flittering finches are adaptable and have learned to live in cities, towns and farmland. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Thanks to its sweet, earthy flavor, the root vegetable is very adaptable, shapeshifting to accommodate both sweet and savory dishes. Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!