adaptability

Rarely a·dapt·a·ble·ness

[uh-dap-tuh-bil-i-tee]

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of adaptability¹

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

Example Sentences

Our music exams/auditions need a complete overhaul in order to embrace improvisation, sound-placement, acoustics, adaptability in sound creation — so many of these elements and ingredients come too late for many.

From Los Angeles Times

That adaptability has allowed him to thrive in environments where others have failed.

From BBC

“It doesn’t look pretty sometimes. But I think post-pandemic — when every reporter was sitting in their basement or their garage — the audience’s patience and adaptability completely changed.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet in Las Vegas this week, many pundits and fighters are tipping Crawford to win - a testament to his adaptability and ring IQ.

From BBC

The defining feature of the home is its adaptability — Metzger calls it “a living scaffolding for change and growth.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flexibility 
• versatility