adaptable

Language: en

🇺🇸 /əˈdæptəbəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Able to adjust readily to different conditions, circumstances, or environments; capable of being modified or changed to suit a new purpose or situation.; Capable of being adapted or modified for a different use or function.; In biology, referring to an organism or species that can adjust its behavior, physiology, or morphology in response to environmental changes.; In computing or technology, referring to a system, software, or interface that can be customized or configured to meet varying user needs or requirements.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Comparative: more adaptable Superlative: most adaptable

Collocations

highly adaptableadaptable toadaptable systemadaptable approachadaptable designremarkably adaptable

Derivatives

adaptadaptationadaptabilityadapteradaptoradaptiveadaptablyadaptedunadaptable

Synonyms

flexibleversatileadjustablemalleablemodifiablepliant

Antonyms

inflexiblerigidfixedimmutable

Commonly confused

adaptive
EN: 'Adaptive' describes something that has already adapted or relates to the process of adaptation (e.g., adaptive behavior); 'adaptable' describes the inherent capacity or potential to adapt.
adoptable
EN: 'Adoptable' means capable of being adopted (e.g., an adoptable child); 'adaptable' means capable of adjusting to new conditions.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that 'adaptable' has a single 'p' and a single 't'—do not double either consonant. Also note the 'a' before '-table', not 'adaptable' vs. 'adaptible' (the correct suffix is '-able').

💬 Examples

  1. She is an adaptable employee who thrives in fast-changing work environments.

  2. The building has an adaptable design that allows it to serve as either office space or residential units.

  3. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that have successfully colonized urban areas across North America.

  4. The adaptable user interface allows users to rearrange widgets and change layouts according to their preferences.