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

Manned aircraft and naval vessels offer greater payload capacity, advanced sensors, and pilot adaptability compared with current drones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Bacteria evolve quickly, and that adaptability is fueling a growing public health crisis.

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

Carrick tactics are clear but he has also shown a level of adaptability.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

The human blitzkrieg across America testifies to the incomparable ingenuity and the unsurpassed adaptability of Homo sapiens.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Related Words

• flexibility
• versatility