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.
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
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
Examples of adaptive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some applications include shoes that adapt to walking conditions, self-assembling furniture, color-changing novelty items and ultimately, adaptive clothing that responds to body shape.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Each outfit has been meticulously constructed with adaptive logic in mind.
—Finbarr Toesland, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
Sport has proven transformative in building independence, confidence and community, yet investment in adaptive programs and pathways remain scarce.
—Danette Leighton, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Helping harness grip in the S5 is fully independent five-link suspension at all four corners—the only member of the segment to have it—plus a sport differential and adaptive dampers.
—Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptive
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Each outfit has been meticulously constructed with adaptive logic in mind.
—Finbarr Toesland, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
Sport has proven transformative in building independence, confidence and community, yet investment in adaptive programs and pathways remain scarce.
—Danette Leighton, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Helping harness grip in the S5 is fully independent five-link suspension at all four corners—the only member of the segment to have it—plus a sport differential and adaptive dampers.
—Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptive
Cite this Entry
“Adaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptive. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Science News2
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
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)
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
Moira McCarthy, The Boston Herald
adaptively
adverb
adaptiveness
noun
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