Darwinian

adjective

Dar·​win·​i·​an där-ˈwi-nē-ən 

1

: of or relating to Charles Darwin, his theories especially of evolution, or his followers

2

: of, relating to, or being a competitive environment or situation in which only the fittest persons or organizations prosper

Darwinian noun

Examples of Darwinian in a Sentence

a Darwinian approach to evolution

The competition among manufacturers is very Darwinian.

the Darwinian world of professional sports

Recent Examples on the Web

The study shows how the pandemic forced many congregations into a Darwinian struggle to adapt. Congregations had to find better ways to raise money, identify their core mission and attract new members. — John Blake, CNN Money, 16 May 2026

In the coin world, Wartenberg Kagan said, the Darwinian struggle for survival favors more valuable coins. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

Thus, the progressive decline in fertility and survival cannot reasonably be attributed to Darwinian selection. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026

According to Darwinian theory, the survival of a species comes down to its ability to spot, avoid and defend against threats. — Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 2026

The group had just polished off a big buffet lunch, but the afternoon was about to take a Darwinian turn. — Sarah Grant, New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Darwinian

• anti-Darwinian
• neo-Darwinian
• non-Darwinian
• post-Darwinian

Rhymes for Darwinian

• linnean
• augustinian
• socinian

Kids Definition

Darwinian

adjective

Dar·​win·​ian

där-ˈwin-ē-ən

: of or relating to Charles Darwin, his theories especially of evolution, or his followers

Darwinian noun

Medical Definition

Darwinian

adjective

Dar·​win·​ian där-ˈwin-ē-ən 

: of or relating to Charles Darwin, his theories especially of evolution, or his followers

Darwinian noun