'shiftability' originates from English, specifically the word 'shift' and the suffix '-ability'; 'shift' comes from Old English 'sciftan' (and related Germanic roots) where the root meant 'to divide, arrange or move', and '-ability' ultimately comes via Old French 'habilite' from Latin 'habilitas', where 'habilis' meant 'able'.

'shift' developed through Old English and Middle English forms (e.g. Old English 'sciftan' / Middle English 'shiften') to the modern English 'shift'; the abstract suffix '-ability' developed from Old French/Latin formations (Old French 'habilite' < Latin 'habilitas') and in Modern English combined with verbs/nouns to form nouns like 'shiftability'.

Initially the components meant 'to move or arrange' (shift) and 'ability' (capability); combined in Modern English they form a noun meaning 'the capacity to be shifted or changed', a sense consistent with the original elements.