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

Their modular design allows rapid adaptation, deploying diverse payloads like torpedoes, air drones, and rockets. — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The stage adaptation has a new creative team after being ravaged out of town. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 July 2026

The musical adaptation is set to premiere next year at the Majestic Theatre. — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026

The series adaptation will blend futuristic science with mystical lore, delivering on the heart-pounding suspense and international intrigue that has made the Langdon stories a global phenomenon. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 27 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