Words / B2

uh-dapt-uh-BIL-uh-tee/əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/

Adaptability is the ability to change so as to deal with new conditions (usually uncountable): adaptability to; show adaptability. Adapt is the verb (already in the dictionary); flexible is a close twin; resilience stresses recovery after stress. Adaptability in the job spec still needs a named task. Mix-up: adaptability vs adaptation (a change made); adopt; do not write adaptability for a copied method with no change in the source.

Meaning

The ability to change so as to deal with new conditions (usually uncountable).

Examples

• “Adaptability in the job spec still needs a named task, the careers paper said.”
• “Species adaptability featured in the biome case, which is the biology sense — still name the condition that changed.”

Good to know

adaptability to; show / demonstrate adaptability. Verb: adapt (already in B1). Noun twin: adaptation. Close: flexibility / resilience. Trap: adopt. Careers, biology, and geography. Ability to adjust — name the task or the condition.

Near in meaning

flexibility, resilience, versatility

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