adaptable
gb/ədˈæptəbəl/ us/ədˈæptəbəl/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
able to adjust to change
able to change easily when things change
Usage pattern:
[someone] is adaptable (to [situation/change])
Common mistake:
Don’t use *adaptable for* when you mean ‘able to handle change’; use *adaptable to* or no preposition.
Synonyms
flexible (Often suggests willingness to change plans or opinions.)
|
versatile (Often highlights being good at many different tasks.)
|
adjustable (More common for objects that can be physically changed.)
Antonyms
specialized (Designed for one specific use rather than many.)
|
single-purpose (Limited to one function.)
Collocations
highly adaptable
|very adaptable
|adaptable person
|adaptable employee
|adaptable team
|adaptable attitude
|adaptable to change
|adaptable to new situations
|adaptable in the workplace
|adaptable under pressure
Themes
work
|personality
|daily_life
Examples
- The course is adaptable for different skill levels.
- We need an adaptable plan that can change if sales drop.
- This software is adaptable enough to support several workflows.
Learner examples
- We made an adaptable plan.
- The room is adaptable for meetings.
adjective
B2
property
2
able to live in varied environments
able to live well in different places or conditions
Usage pattern:
[animal/plant/species] is adaptable (to [environment/conditions])
Common mistake:
In this meaning, *adaptable* describes the animal or species (not the place).
Synonyms
resilient (Emphasizes recovering or staying strong despite difficulty.)
|
hardy (Often means able to survive harsh conditions.)
Antonyms
vulnerable (Easily harmed by changes in conditions.)
|
sensitive (Easily affected by environmental change.)
Collocations
highly adaptable species
|adaptable animals
|adaptable plants
|adaptable predator
|adaptable to different climates
|adaptable to new habitats
|remarkably adaptable
|adaptable to urban environments
Themes
nature
|science
Examples
- Raccoons are highly adaptable and can live in many kinds of neighborhoods.
- The species is adaptable to both wet and dry conditions.
- Some insects are so adaptable that they spread quickly to new habitats.
Learner examples
- Foxes are adaptable animals.
- This plant is adaptable to cold weather.
Grammar
Dictionary form
adaptable
IPA
GB/ədˈæptəbəl/
US/ədˈæptəbəl/
Syllables & stress
ad - apt - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (apt)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: adaptable
Word family
Core family
Related words
adaptive
adjective
adapter
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
inflexible
adjective
Advanced or less common
adaptively
adverb
maladaptive
adjective
Expressions
adaptable for [something]
1/ədˈæptəbəl fɚ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
suitable for a purpose
can be changed to be useful for something
Examples
- The space is adaptable for workshops or small concerts.
- We chose furniture that’s adaptable for different layouts.
- The template is adaptable for many types of reports.
adaptable to [something]
1/ədˈæptəbəl tə sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
able to adjust to something
can change to fit something new
Examples
- She’s adaptable to sudden changes in schedule.
- These crops are adaptable to dry conditions.
- The policy is adaptable to different local needs.
easily adaptable
1/ˈizəli ədˈæptəbəl/
fixed phrase
can be adapted without difficulty
can be changed easily
Examples
- The code is easily adaptable to different devices.
- This lesson plan is easily adaptable for online teaching.
- The design is easily adaptable as the project grows.
highly adaptable
1/hˈaɪli ədˈæptəbəl/
fixed phrase
very able to adapt
can adapt very well
Examples
- She’s highly adaptable and picks up new tools quickly.
- Cockroaches are highly adaptable insects.
- We need highly adaptable systems as requirements evolve.