adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv 

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

ˌa-ˌdap-ˈti-və-tē 

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

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Word History

Etymology

adapt + -ive

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adaptive

• adaptive radiation
• adaptive optics
• adaptive cruise control
• counter-adaptive

• adaptive radiation
• adaptive optics
• adaptive cruise control
• counter-adaptive

Medical Definition

adaptive

adjective

adap·​tive ə-ˈdap-tiv 

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