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
Rubber bands can be used in a variety of different ways and have been used for adaptive horseback riding, which is recreational horseback riding or lessons that are adapted to meet the unique needs of a child or adult with special needs.
—Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2025
Also called the Norway rat, these rodents are highly adaptive and excellent breeders.
—Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
The system integrates Nokia Federal’s Banshee Flex Radio, a ruggedized 5G private wireless platform that supports persistent and adaptive communications for manned and unmanned systems.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
With Trump back in the White House, his hold on the Republican Party remains total, yet his brand appears adaptive.
—Nik Popli, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptive
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Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2025
Also called the Norway rat, these rodents are highly adaptive and excellent breeders.
—Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
The system integrates Nokia Federal’s Banshee Flex Radio, a ruggedized 5G private wireless platform that supports persistent and adaptive communications for manned and unmanned systems.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
With Trump back in the White House, his hold on the Republican Party remains total, yet his brand appears adaptive.
—Nik Popli, Time, 30 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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