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

Lumosity is a brain-training app that offers personalized and adaptive exercises that challenge your memory, attention, speed, flexibility and problem-solving abilities. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025

That entails moving from timely and reliable data delivery to adaptive and efficient information processing, as well as computer-and-communication systems. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024

This advice should have included information about his own history, mental illness, cognitive and adaptive impairments that related to his perception and the formation of the intent involved in his crimes. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Resilient Investment Strategies: By incorporating economic, social, and technological insights, family offices can build portfolios that are both adaptive and aligned with long-term goals. —Francois Botha, Forbes, 29 Dec. 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