Accommodating means willing to adjust, adapt, or be helpful to meet someone else's needs. An accommodating teacher might let you turn in homework a day late when you've been sick, or stay after school to explain something you didn't understand. An accommodating friend changes plans when you have a family commitment.

The word suggests flexibility and generosity of spirit. Someone accommodating doesn't just grudgingly agree to help: they genuinely want to make things work for others. A restaurant owner might be accommodating by preparing a special meal for a customer with food allergies. A coach might be accommodating by adjusting practice times so everyone on the team can participate.

Being accommodating shows consideration, but it's different from being a pushover. An accommodating person adapts when it's reasonable and kind to do so. They might rearrange their schedule to help you, but they still have boundaries and won't let people take advantage of their helpfulness.

You might hear someone say a hotel was very accommodating when the staff went out of their way to solve problems and make guests comfortable. Or a sibling might be accommodating by switching chores with you when you have an especially busy week. The spirit of accommodation makes cooperation and community possible.