ENGLISH
REFERENCE

adaptive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈdæptɪv// UK //ɐdˈæptɪv// adap·tive

adj. able to change to fit new situations or different conditions. You use this to describe someone or something that is good at adjusting when things get difficult.

adj. characterised by the capacity to modify behaviour or structure in response to changing environmental conditions. In psychological contexts, it describes traits or actions that help an individual function effectively in their surroundings.


SIMPLE

The company needs an adaptive strategy to survive in this changing market.

CONTEXTUAL

Successful species often have adaptive traits that allow them to thrive in various climates.

COMPLEX

Psychologists view resilience as an adaptive response to trauma, where the individual develops new coping mechanisms to maintain psychological stability despite significant external stressors.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From adapt + -ive.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb or precedes a noun; frequently paired with 'to' when describing the target of the change.

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