adaptability

American

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

Rarely adaptableness

noun

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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026

That adaptability is a fantastic attribute for any team.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

That kind of education cultivates adaptability, resilience and judgment, the traits employers say they value most.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023