adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce adaptive (audio)
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 noun

Examples of adaptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The bootcamp-style, multi-station workout will be led by adaptive veteran athletes and will be accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Melissa Whatley, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2023 In August, Habitat Springfield used ICF to build the foundation of an addition, which will create an adaptive expansion for a veteran with mobility needs. Lindsay Crudele, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2023 The topmost adaptive foam layer is breathable and wicks away moisture and sweat. Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2023 Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The E-Pace offers loads of driver-assistance technology–such as traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter, front and rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic monitoring–most of which is standard equipment. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 25 Aug. 2023 Victoria’s Secret made its adaptive fashion debut at the Runway of Dreams show during New York Fashion Week. Irene Kim, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2023 The Duke of Sussex created the adaptive sports competition for veterans and service personnel, and the event in Düsseldorf marks the sixth edition of the contest. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2023 Additional features to improve energy efficiency will roll out in the coming months, including adaptive charging (which has been available in Canary for some time) to preserve battery health and a new Energy Saver mode. Monica Chin, The Verge, 14 Sep. 2023 Despite this, the MC20 won't punish you with an overtly harsh ride, flinty handling, or unforgiving throttle response; with the adaptive suspension set in its most comfortable mode, the chassis is forgiving enough to consider driving it daily or taking it on a road trip. Andrew Wendler, Car and Driver, 6 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -ive

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adaptive was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near adaptive

Cite this Entry

“Adaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

Medical Definition

adaptive

adjective
adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce adaptive (audio)
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
Ever seen those inspirational adaptive skiers cranking down the mountain in their ski chairs, or with a blind skier guide?Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald
adaptively adverb
adaptiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on adaptive

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