adaptability

American  

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

Rarely adaptableness

noun

adaptabilities plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• adaptabilities
  plural

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

Explanation

If someone is equally able to live on an iceberg, in a desert, and on top of a mountain, you could say that she has a lot of adaptability. This means she is able to make changes in response to her environment. The ability to adapt, or adaptability, is a great quality to have if you are an employee of a company that is going through a lot of changes or if you are an animal in nature, having to weather different seasons, or climate changes. You could say that some chameleons, which change color to blend into their surroundings, have a high level of adaptability.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

adaptability adaptabilities

That adaptability offers Chelsea additional options, with head coach Xabi Alonso having used both systems during his coaching career.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

One of the key advantages of a solar-powered car for providing healthcare in somewhere like Kenya is its adaptability, said Maurits from the Amref NGO.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

Then, talk about how your current skills and adaptability could help you meet those goals.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026

One example of adaptability is Ukraine’s new procurement system for drones, which account for over 90% of enemy losses, electronic warfare systems and some other key weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 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

As WPA extends from storm sewers to nursery schools, so the interests and adaptabilities of Harry Lloyd Hopkins are equally diverse.

From Time Magazine Archive

So also in the adaptabilities and the conveniences of life, in its versatilities and in its enjoyments.

From The Life and Letters of Walter H. Page, Volume II by Hendrick, Burton Jesse

The text has been revised and, where necessary, rewritten, and is superior to the editions now current both in literary excellence and in the valuable desideratum of "accents" and other adaptabilities to musical utterance.

From Martha or, The Fair at Richmond by Flotow, Friedrich von

It had been agreed that Bubbles, having of the two the more feminine adaptabilities of voice, should do the talking.

From The Penalty by Christy, Howard Chandler

He had all the physical adaptabilities of a nurse—a large, tender touch, a low persuasive voice, pliant yet unhesitating limbs, and broad, well-cushioned surfaces.

From Gabriel Conroy by Harte, Bert

Related Words

• flexibility
• versatility