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.

---

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

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

Metacognitive skills will be very important—flexibility, adaptability, experimentation, thinking critically, being able to challenge things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

To achieve this adaptability, the team used a method called halftone-encoded printing.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

That, however, is down to lack of rhythm at the start of the year, rather than a lack of adaptability.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 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

Related Words

• flexibility
• versatility