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
Looking ahead, the fusion of agentic AI with building design will usher in a new era: adaptive architecture.
—Dan Drogman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Several other genes of interest for OCD were found in a region of the genome that plays a role in adaptive immunity and has been associated with other psychiatric disorders.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
The tournament is a collaboration between the city Parks & Recreation Department and the Therapeutic Recreation Services program, which provides adaptive sports opportunities.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
With tools like interactive formats, adaptive methods and AI integration, educators and parents can provide a more personalized learning experience.
—Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dan Drogman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Several other genes of interest for OCD were found in a region of the genome that plays a role in adaptive immunity and has been associated with other psychiatric disorders.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
The tournament is a collaboration between the city Parks & Recreation Department and the Therapeutic Recreation Services program, which provides adaptive sports opportunities.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
With tools like interactive formats, adaptive methods and AI integration, educators and parents can provide a more personalized learning experience.
—Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 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 19 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share