versatility

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˌvɜrsəˈtɪlətiː/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The quality of being able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.; The ability of a tool, material, or system to be used for many different purposes.; Changeableness; inconstancy; fickleness (archaic).

🔗 Details

Word forms

uncountable

Collocations

great versatilityremarkable versatilityversatility ofversatility indemonstrate versatilityshow versatility

Derivatives

versatileversatilelyversatileness

Synonyms

adaptabilityflexibilityresourcefulnessall-round abilitymultipurpose

Antonyms

rigidityinflexibilityspecialization

Commonly confused

versatileness
EN: 'Versatileness' is a rare and non-standard formation; 'versatility' is the correct and universally accepted noun form.
adaptability
EN: 'Adaptability' emphasizes the ability to adjust to new conditions; 'versatility' emphasizes the ability to perform many different functions or roles.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the sequence '-ility' at the end: 'versatility', not 'versitality' or 'versatilty'. The root adjective is 'versatile' (with a silent 'e' dropped before '-ity').

💬 Examples

  1. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to play both comedic and dramatic roles convincingly.

  2. The versatility of this kitchen gadget makes it an essential item for any home cook.

  3. The versatility of his opinions made it hard to trust his judgment.