adaptability

UK: /əˌdæptəˈbɪlɪti/ US: /əˌdæptəˈbɪlɪti/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

a•dapt /əˈdæpt/   v. 

1. [~ + object] to make suitable to new or different requirements or conditions; adjust or modify appropriately: They adapted the movie for a TV miniseries.
2. [~ (+ oneself) + to + object)] to adjust oneself to different conditions, environment, etc.: My children adapted (themselves) to life abroad quite smoothly.

a•dapt•a•bil•i•ty /əˌdæptəˈbɪlɪti/  n. [uncountable]
a•dapt•a•ble, adj. See -apt-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

a•dapt  (ə dapt′), v.t. 

1. to make suitable to requirements or conditions;
   adjust or modify fittingly:
   They adapted themselves to the change quickly. He adapted the novel for movies.

v.i. 

2. to adjust oneself to different conditions, environment, etc.:
   to adapt easily to all circumstances.

• Latin adaptāre to fit, adjust, perh. via French adapter. See ad-, apt
• 1605–15

a•dapt′ed•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. fit, accommodate, suit, reconcile, conform; modify, rework, convert. See adjust. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

a•dapt•a•ble  (ə dap′tə bəl), adj. 

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

• adapt + -able 1790–1800

a•dapt′a•bil′i•ty, a•dapt′a•ble•ness, n.