adaptability

American  

[uh-dap-tuh-bil-i-tee] / əˌdæp təˈbɪl ɪ ti /

Rarely adaptableness

noun

1. the ability to adjust to different conditions or circumstances.

   Educational institutions are switching to the new software because of its flexibility, adaptability, and ease of use.

   Critical thinking skills and emotional and intellectual adaptability are essential characteristics of an educated citizenry.

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Other Word Forms

• nonadaptability
  noun
• nonadaptableness
  noun
• readaptability
  noun
• superadaptableness
  noun
• unadaptability
  noun
• unadaptableness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of adaptability

adapt ( def. ) + -ability ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does adaptability compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• adaptability vs. flexibility

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.

Example Sentences

"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

Adaptability might mean contextualizing old monuments with additional signage or simply creating monuments that are more ephemeral in nature.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2021

Adaptability has been a hallmark of Eat Voraciously since its first day.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2021

Adaptability to a varied diet is an element of well-being in the animal, a factor of prime importance for the extension and predominance of its race in the bitter struggle for life.

From More Hunting Wasps by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander

Related Words

• flexibility
• versatility