Word
adaptability
Phoneticsadapt·abil·i·ty
US/əˌdæptəˈbɪɫəti/
UK/ɐdˌæptəbˈɪlɪti/
Definition
n. the ability to change or adjust to new conditions. In biology, it means how well a living thing can survive in different environments.
n. the capacity to adjust to new, different, or changing environments or circumstances. In a biological context, it refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in varying environmental conditions.
Examples
“The plant shows great adaptability to dry soil.”
“The success of the species depends on its adaptability to the shifting climate patterns of the region.”
“Evolutionary biologists often study the genetic basis of adaptability, examining how specific traits allow a population to thrive when their primary food source becomes scarce.”
Examples
simple
“The plant shows great adaptability to dry soil.”
contextual
“The success of the species depends on its adaptability to the shifting climate patterns of the region.”
complex
“Evolutionary biologists often study the genetic basis of adaptability, examining how specific traits allow a population to thrive when their primary food source becomes scarce.”
Real-World Examples
“In tests, the team reports improvements over older approaches in cultural adaptability, fluency and completeness.” “Structured remembering—via journaling, looking over old emails or reconnecting with a longtime friend—can strengthen resolve and adaptability.” Etymology
From adaptable + -ity or adapt + -ability.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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