adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce adaptive (audio)
a-
1
: providing, contributing to, or marked by adaptation : arising as a result of adaptation
… left ventricular hypertrophy should not be considered solely an adaptive response to an increased ventricular workload.Edward D. Frohlich et al.
An effort to identify the healthy adaptive need that is being met by a patient's behavior can result in increased empathy for the patient.Thomas O. Brackett
specifically : of, relating to, or being a heritable trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
Webbed feet is an adaptive trait in aquatic animals.
2
a
: designed or intended to assist disabled persons : assistive
adaptive devices
b
: engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
adaptive skiing
c
: participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for disability
an adaptive skier
adaptively adverb
adaptiveness noun
adaptivity noun

Examples of adaptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If leaders model these adaptive behaviors, the organization will follow. Sergey Dmitriev, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 So that would be a difference, for him, in their adaptive zones. Janna Levin, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 Instead, strategy must be dynamic, adaptive, and—most importantly—resilient. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024 By the time the sun had peeked over the skyscrapers along Woodward Avenue, runners competing in the half-marathon began crossing the finish line, along with adaptive cyclists who traversed the full 26.2 miles. Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adaptive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -ive

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptive was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near adaptive

Cite this Entry

“Adaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

adaptive

adjective
adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce adaptive (audio)
1
: capable of, suited to, or contributing to adaptation
adaptive traits that enhance survival and diversification of species …Science News
2
a
: used to assist a person with a disability in performing a certain task or activity : assistive
Adaptive equipment might include Braille keyboards, voice synthesizers and adjustable-height computer tables.Stuart Gordon, The Modesto (California) Bee
b
: engaged in by disabled persons with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
It is called wheelchair basketball, an adaptive sport for disabled people …James Nix, The Independent Tribune (Concord, North Carolina)
c
: participating in a sport with the aid of equipment or techniques adapted for a disability
Ever seen those inspirational adaptive skiers cranking down the mountain in their ski chairs, or with a blind skier guide?Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald
adaptively adverb
adaptiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptive

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