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definitions

adaptable

[uh-dap-tuh-buh l]
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adjective

capable of being adapted.
able to adjust oneself readily to different conditions: an adaptable person.

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RELATED WORDS

resilient, flexible, compliant, malleable, versatile, AC-DC, adjustable, changeable, conformable, convertible, ductile, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, tractable, variable, alterable, moldable, can-do

Origin of adaptable

First recorded in 1790–1800; adapt + -able
Related formsa·dapt·a·bil·i·ty, a·dapt·a·ble·ness, nounnon·a·dapt·a·bil·i·ty, nounnon·a·dapt·a·ble, adjectivenon·a·dapt·a·ble·ness, nounre·a·dapt·a·bil·i·ty, nounre·a·dapt·a·ble, adjectivesu·per·a·dapt·a·ble, adjectivesu·per·a·dapt·a·ble·ness, nounsu·per·a·dapt·a·bly, adverbun·a·dapt·a·ble, adjectiveun·a·dapt·a·ble·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for adaptable

Contemporary Examples of adaptable

Historical Examples of adaptable

  • They had to be adaptable and capable of carrying delicate and large responsibility.

    Herbert Hoover

    Vernon Kellogg

  • Because they were so likable and intelligent and adaptable—they were vastly dangerous!

    Zen

    Jerome Bixby

  • Few words are more elastic and adaptable than the verb substantive.

  • Which of the possessions of the United States are adaptable for cane-sugar?

    Commercial Geography

    Jacques W. Redway

  • One can get accustomed to anything—man is as adaptable as the trees.

    Through Finland in Carts

    Ethel Brilliana Alec-Tweedie

Word Origin and History for adaptable
adj.

1800, from adapt + -able.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper