adaptability
uh-dap-tuh-BIL-uh-tee
/əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/
The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or changed environments.
Focuses on behavioral flexibility and modifying strategies rather than merely enduring hardship.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Latin 'aptus' (fitted, suitable), 'adaptare' meant 'to make suitable for a purpose'. The noun adaptability developed in the 19th century to describe species and individuals that actively reshape their behaviors to fit new surroundings.
Word relationships
- flexibility: Flexibility is the willingness to bend, whereas adaptability is the capacity to modify oneself to fit new conditions successfully.
- rigidity: Rigidity is inability or refusal to change or compromise.
Commonly confused with
- adoptability: Adoptability is how easily something can be adopted/taken on, whereas adaptability is how easily one adjusts to changes.
Word family
- adapt (verb): Make suitable to a new use or situation.
- adaptable (adjective): Able to adjust to new conditions.
Collocations
- demonstrate adaptability
- high adaptability
- cultural adaptability
- adaptability to change
Idioms & expressions
- go with the flow
- roll with the punches
Example sentences
- "In rapidly shifting technological industries, corporate adaptability is essential for long-term survival." Organizational management book.
Memory hook
ADAPTABILITY means you are ALWAYS APT (fit) for any new environment. Fitting into any environment.
When not to use
Do not confuse with passive submission; adaptability is active, intelligent recalibration.
Fun facts
- Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory is often summarized as 'survival of the fittest', where 'fittest' specifically means highest adaptability.
Related words
Explore more words
adaptable, adapt, adaptive, flexibility, versatile, adaptation
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