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

Example Sentences

The red fox's remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in environments ranging from forests and grasslands to urban areas, the zoo said, feeding off everything from fruits to rodents.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Metacognitive skills will be very important—flexibility, adaptability, experimentation, thinking critically, being able to challenge things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Rather than signaling identity, they emphasize adaptability, allowing cats to express a wide range of needs and emotions to the people they live with.

From Science Daily • Feb. 11, 2026

His signature 4-2-5 defense was designed, in part, to allow for such adaptability.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

It is the key to species adaptability and to healthy populations—providing the greatest chance for species survival when faced with external, environmental changes.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

Related Words

• flexibility
• versatility