adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 

-dəp-

1

: something that is adapted

a new adaptation of an old recipe

specifically : a composition rewritten into a new form

a screen adaptation of a novel

2

: the act or process of adapting

a process undergoing adaptation

: the state of being adapted

adaptation to changing circumstances

3

: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as

a

: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation

b

: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival

adaptational

ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-dəp-

adjective

adaptationally adverb

Synonyms of adaptation

• adjustment
• adaption

Examples of adaptation in a Sentence

His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.

The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.

The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.

a tool designed for easy adaptation

Recent Examples on the Web

Patel shot his scenes over six months and across six countries (all while co-writing an adaptation of the memoir Brown Baby with its author, his friend Nikesh Shukla). — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Under the guidance of chair and director Moti Sagar, the group has produced films and television programming known for adaptations of ancient Indian epics, positioning it as a name in spiritual, historical and family entertainment. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2026

Bill Nighy, Nell Tiger Free and Gemma Arterton are set to lead a new TV adaptation of Henry James’ beloved novel The Portrait of a Lady for Masterpiece on PBS and the BBC. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026

Nell Tiger Free, Gemma Arterton, Jim Sturgess, Bill Nighy and Miranda Richardson are coming together for a PBS Masterpiece, BBC and Fox adaptation of Henry James’ iconic novel The Portrait of a Lady. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Medieval Latin; French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin adaptātiōn-, adaptātiō, from Latin adaptāre "to adapt" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing adaptation

• counter-adaptation
• dark adaptation
• light adaptation

Rhymes for adaptation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən 

-əp-

1

a

: the act or process of adapting

b

: the state of being adapted

2

: adjustment to environmental conditions: as

a

: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation

b

: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment

also : a structure resulting from this change

3

: something that is adapted

especially : a composition rewritten into a new form

adaptational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

adaptationally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

adaptation

noun

ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp- 

1

: the act or process of adapting : the state of being adapted

his ingenious adaptation of the electric cautery knife to … surgery

—George Blumer

2

: adjustment to environmental conditions: as

a

: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation

b

: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b

adaptational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

adaptationally

-ē 

adverb