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
adaptationally
adverb
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
There is no date given for the release of this live-action Solo Leveling adaptation, just this casting.
—
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Our forces must be self-sufficient, mobile, and capable of rapid adaptation.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Although Krypto's big screen debut was a relatively recent development, the pup has a rich but very complex and often contradictory comic book history—and the way Superman deals with all that history speaks to one of the strongest aspects of the movie as a piece of superhero comic adaptation.
—James Grebey, Time, 10 July 2025
As Webtoon Productions president, Madden will continue to oversee the development, production, and sales for the company’s U.S. and international feature film, TV, and animation slate of adaptations from Webtoon and Wattpad.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Our forces must be self-sufficient, mobile, and capable of rapid adaptation.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Although Krypto's big screen debut was a relatively recent development, the pup has a rich but very complex and often contradictory comic book history—and the way Superman deals with all that history speaks to one of the strongest aspects of the movie as a piece of superhero comic adaptation.
—James Grebey, Time, 10 July 2025
As Webtoon Productions president, Madden will continue to oversee the development, production, and sales for the company’s U.S. and international feature film, TV, and animation slate of adaptations from Webtoon and Wattpad.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
adaptationally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share