adaptable
uh-DAP-tuh-buhl
Adaptable (adjective) means Able to be changed or adjusted to fit new conditions. Example: “The software is highly adaptable and can run on almost any device.”
adjective
1
Able to be changed or adjusted to fit new conditions.
"The software is highly adaptable and can run on almost any device."
"They chose a modular design so the building would be adaptable to future needs."
2
Willing and able to adjust to new situations; flexible.
"Good employees are adaptable when priorities change at short notice."
"She proved herself adaptable, settling into three different countries within a year."
How to use adaptable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAble to change or be changed to suit new circumstances.
Common pairings
highly adaptable
adaptable to change
an adaptable approach
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more adaptable
- Superlative
- most adaptable
Fill the gap
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The software is highly _____ and can run on almost any device.
Etymology
From adapt plus the suffix -able ("capable of"), tracing back to Latin aptus, "fitted" or "suited."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unadaptable
Related words
Rhymes for adaptable
See all rhymes for adaptable →Frequently asked questions
What does “adaptable” mean?
The word “adaptable” means able to be changed or adjusted to fit new conditions. In plain terms, able to change or be changed to suit new circumstances.
How do you pronounce “adaptable”?
“Adaptable” is pronounced uh-DAP-tuh-buhl (/əˈdæptəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “adaptable” in a sentence?
Here is “adaptable” used in a sentence: “The software is highly adaptable and can run on almost any device.”
What is another word for “adaptable”?
Words with a similar meaning to “adaptable” include adaptive.
What part of speech is “adaptable”?
“Adaptable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “adaptable” come from?
The word “adaptable” comes from Latin. From adapt plus the suffix -able ("capable of"), tracing back to Latin aptus, "fitted" or "suited.".
Is “adaptable” a common word?
“Adaptable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “adaptable” have?
“Adaptable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to be changed or adjusted to fit new conditions.
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