adaptable

[uh-dap-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being adapted.

2. able to adjust oneself readily to different conditions.

   an adaptable person.

Other Word Forms

• adaptability noun
• adaptableness noun
• nonadaptable adjective
• readaptable adjective
• superadaptable adjective
• superadaptably adverb
• unadaptable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adaptable¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; adapt + -able

Example Sentences

"It's affordable and adaptable and we can deliver it in ten years. That's never been done before. The future for Rosyth looks really good."

From BBC

Coyotes are highly adaptable and are beginning to re‑establish themselves in San Francisco, where they had once disappeared from.

From BBC

His mum, dad and brother have been living at hospital with him for almost nine months, but the council has told them their home is not adaptable and no other housing is available.

From BBC

This means using fire-resistant materials, integrating green roofs for natural cooling and air quality, and designing adaptable, modular structures that can be quickly reconfigured or relocated if needed.

From Los Angeles Times

The filmmaker was "inspired" by observing "how adaptable other parents" in the wild are, and how alive they are to changes in the natural world.

From BBC

Related Words

• compliant 
• flexible 
• malleable 
• resilient 
• versatile