versatility

American  

[vur-suh-til-i-tee] / ˌvɜr səˈtɪl ɪ ti /

Rarely versatileness

noun

• versatilities
  plural

1. the state or quality of being useful for or easily adapted to various tasks, styles, fields of endeavor, etc..

   The versatility of the space makes it perfect for a business lunch, an informal dinner, a cocktail with friends in the evening, or a revitalizing cup of tea.

   Much sought-after on the international music circuit, the conductor’s versatility and broad repertoire have taken her to symphony and chamber orchestras, contemporary music ensembles, and opera houses across the world.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonversatility
  noun
• unversatility
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• versatilities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of versatility

First recorded in 1660–70; versatil(e) ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Explanation

The word versatility describes having many different skills or qualities. Versatility allows you to adapt to many different situations. Your versatility in sports means that you can play soccer, tennis, and basketball. The noun versatility derives from the Latin word versatilis, meaning "turning, revolving, moving, capable of turning to varied subjects or tasks." Companies seek employees who have versatility so they can adapt to different work situations. A soccer player with versatility can play forward, defense, and goal keeper exceptionally well. A master chef's versatility means she has extensive knowledge of French, American bistro, Italian, and Spanish cuisine.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

versatility versatilities

This year alone, Hathaway has repeatedly proven her versatility, jumping between gun-toting moms, tortured pop stars and struggling journalists.

From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2026

Not just because of his goals, but because of his versatility and the positions he plays.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

Also displaying massive versatility is Summer Severin, who, in addition to being an ensemble swing member, serves as dance captain and understudies the role of Marlena.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

This splendid historical farce proves her versatility as well.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

In Steiger’s case, of course, his high connectedness is a function of his versatility as an actor and, in all likelihood, some degree of good luck.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

"I’m just showing them different versatilities of what I can do," Parsons said.

From Fox News ● Sep. 20, 2021

“I’m just showing them different versatilities of what I can do,” Parsons said.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2021

Barker's multivocality is a display of just one of the versatilities natural to literary style.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 18, 2012

It is in a sense a relief to feel that they have no further versatilities with which to confound one.

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 Burton Jesse Hendrick

Related Words

• adaptability