adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌa-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən 
-dəp-
1
: something that is adapted
a new adaptation of an old recipe
specifically
: a composition rewritten into a new form
a screen adaptation of a novel
2
: the act or process of adapting
a process undergoing adaptation
: the state of being adapted
adaptation to changing circumstances
3
: adjustment to environmental conditions: such as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment : a heritable physical or behavioral trait that serves a specific function and improves an organism's fitness or survival
adaptationally
adverb
Examples of adaptation in a Sentence
His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.
The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.
The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.
a tool designed for easy adaptation
Recent Examples on the Web
Bradway is slated to star as Charlie Florek in Amazon Prime Video's upcoming adaptation of Every Summer After, the bestselling romantic novel from author Carley Fortune.
—
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 July 2025
The impact lies in how this agility translates to quicker adaptation to changing market demands, customer preferences and operational needs.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
But in keeping with the mysticism of the body-swapping 1972 book by Mary Rodgers, which spawned Curtis and Lohan’s hit 2003 adaptation Freaky Friday (Jodie Foster had her 1976 version too), there is some woo-woo happening.
—Jason Sheeler, People.com, 22 July 2025
Breaking out with her starring role in Netflix’s series adaptation of Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, Wise has most recently been seen opposite Alexander Skarsgård on the Apple TV+ series Murderbot, which just ended its first season run with a second season renewal.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 July 2025
The impact lies in how this agility translates to quicker adaptation to changing market demands, customer preferences and operational needs.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
But in keeping with the mysticism of the body-swapping 1972 book by Mary Rodgers, which spawned Curtis and Lohan’s hit 2003 adaptation Freaky Friday (Jodie Foster had her 1976 version too), there is some woo-woo happening.
—Jason Sheeler, People.com, 22 July 2025
Breaking out with her starring role in Netflix’s series adaptation of Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, Wise has most recently been seen opposite Alexander Skarsgård on the Apple TV+ series Murderbot, which just ended its first season run with a second season renewal.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən
-əp-
1
a
: the act or process of adapting
b
: the state of being adapted
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the degree or quality of stimulation
b
: change in an organism or its parts that fits it better for the conditions of its environment
also
: a structure resulting from this change
3
: something that is adapted
especially
: a composition rewritten into a new form
adaptationally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
adaptation
noun
ad·ap·ta·tion
ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən, -əp-
1
2
: adjustment to environmental conditions: as
a
: adjustment of a sense organ to the intensity or quality of stimulation
b
: modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment compare adjustment sense 1b
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