adaptive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
able to change or be changed to suit different conditions.
capable of undergoing modification or adjustment to remain effective in varying circumstances.
Simple“The company uses adaptive software that changes based on how the customer uses it.”
In context“The organization implemented an adaptive management strategy, allowing project leaders to pivot their tactics as new market data became available.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
describes a behavior or physical trait that helps a living thing survive in its environment.
relating to a trait or behavior that increases an organism's fitness or ability to function within a specific ecological niche.
Simple“The white fur of a polar bear is an adaptive trait for living in the snow.”
In context“Biologists argue that certain social behaviors in primates are adaptive, as they significantly increase the survival rate of offspring within the troop.”
SynonymsAntonymsmaladaptive - 03 C1 Advanced
describes a person's ability to handle the demands of daily life and get along with others.
pertaining to behaviors that allow an individual to meet the standards of personal independence and social responsibility expected for their age and cultural group.
Simple“The therapist helped the patient develop more adaptive ways to deal with stress.”
In context“The study focused on adaptive coping mechanisms, contrasting them with avoidant behaviors that often exacerbate long-term psychological distress.”
SynonymsAntonymsmaladaptivedysfunctional
Usage adaptive behaviour · adaptive response
“He seems adaptive, fitted to the modern world.”
“The authors argue that future research should examine whether giving employees greater control over their location, working hours and workload can make presenteeism a more adaptive behavior.”
From adapt + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.