adaptive

comparative more adaptive · superlative most adaptive

1. Of, pertaining to, characterized by or showing adaptation; making or made fit or suitable.

   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it issued a final rule allowing what’s called “adaptive driving beam headlights” on new vehicles. It will go into effect when published in the Federal Register in the next few days.

   3 more examples

   The real affinities of all organic beings, in contradistinction to their adaptive resemblances, are due to inheritance or community of descent.

   1859, Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species

   That variation of germinal origin is a fact in organic nature is admitted on all hands, and that some variations are adaptive is also unquestioned.

   1896, C. Lloyd Morgan, On Modification and Variation

   Advanced vehicle technologies, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, were available as standard equipment for this truck-tractor; however, the carrier opted not to purchase these systems. We found that the collision may have been avoided or its severity lessened had these systems been installed on the truck-tractor. Because commercial vehicle customers can elect not to purchase collision avoidance systems, even those that are considered standard equipment, federal requirements are necessary to increase widespread deployment of this technology.

   2024, NTSB, Highway Investigation Report, HIR-24-05

2. Capable of being adapted or of adapting; susceptible of or undergoing accordant change.

   Synonyms: adaptable

3. evolutionary theoryOf a trait: that helps an organism to function well in its environment.
4. human sciencesOf a trait: that helps a person to function well in society.