adjective B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishAble to change or be changed to suit new circumstances.

Common pairings

highly adaptable adaptable to change an adaptable approach

Word forms

more adaptable comparative, most adaptable superlative

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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."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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adaptive

Related words

adaptive adaptability

Rhymes for adaptable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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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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