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

Michelle Kinman, the incubator’s senior vice president of market transportation, said the 250-unit fleet comprises 215 commuter bikes, 29 cargo bikes and six adaptive bikes, including tricycles. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

The space was adaptive, all things to all people: Laid-back while still feeling luxurious and stylish, at once accessible and exclusive. —Abe Beame, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2024

This position makes Rotterdam particularly vulnerable to flooding, and the local government has invested heavily in adaptive design. —Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024

The simple old-meets-new adaptive design saw modern-minded mechanics enhance the bones of this 400-year-plus building with secret tunnels to conceal complex geothermal technology. —Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024

The entry-level suspension is a new, bi-valve, twin-chamber adaptive air suspension that can adjust rebound and compression near-instantly and dynamically. —Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024

Their ability to provide relevant and timely travel insights despite these challenges underscores a commitment to reliable and adaptive leadership in the travel domain. —Tyler Shepherd, Detroit Free Press, 2 Apr. 2024

Central banks, particularly the Fed and ECB, have been at the forefront, navigating these turbulent times through adaptive and often unconventional monetary policies. —Magdy Hassan Fayed, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Women’s sizes span from XXS to 4X, and all baby, toddler, and kids clothes are adaptive. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

adapt + -ive

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adaptive

• adaptive cruise control
• adaptive optics
• adaptive radiation
• 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