adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv 

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

ˌa-ˌdap-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Examples of adaptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Develop adaptive curricula that impart critical thinking and creativity with AI tools and technology to spur entrepreneurship and meet the needs of the labor market. —Mark Hagerott, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

Despite its considerable bulk, the S680 was in its element, using its prodigious 664 ft lbs of torque to slingshot out of the curves, while rear-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension and all-wheel drive kept it on an even keel through the tightest Alpine curves. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025

Their learning is efficient because it’s embodied, adaptive, deliberate, and continuous. —James Somers, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

The company is redefining security to build networked, adaptive systems where trust is built, maintained, and shared. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -ive

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adaptive

• adaptive cruise control
• adaptive optics
• adaptive radiation
• counter-adaptive

Rhymes for adaptive

• captive
• maladaptive

Medical Definition

adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv 

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

… adaptive skiers cranking down the mountain in their ski chairs …

—Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald

adaptively adverb

adaptiveness noun