adaptability
Americannoun
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Etymology
Origin of adaptability
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How does adaptability compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If someone is equally able to live on an iceberg, in a desert, and on top of a mountain, you could say that she has a lot of adaptability. This means she is able to make changes in response to her environment. The ability to adapt, or adaptability, is a great quality to have if you are an employee of a company that is going through a lot of changes or if you are an animal in nature, having to weather different seasons, or climate changes. You could say that some chameleons, which change color to blend into their surroundings, have a high level of adaptability.
Vocabulary lists containing adaptability
Lesson 1
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The BFG
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Camp Panda
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I understand and respect Ange's principles but, with the injuries, surely you have to adapt them. Adaptability would be sensible at this time."
From BBC • Jan. 15, 2025
Adaptability is the key, he said, and “we have to figure out how we’re going to make the most of this.”
From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024
“Staying on the field. Adaptability with the game plan, with pitching and delivery. And just the mental fortitude to make it work and stick through it. I think they all showed they can handle it.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2023
Adaptability and resilience remain common attributes among those who live here.
From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2022
Adaptability is therefore the sine qua non of men's life and existence.
From Notes on Islam by Hussain, Khaja Muhammad
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
