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
Synonyms
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
No offense to Marcello Mastroianni, but the fact that Visconti didn’t cast Delon as the lead role in his 1967 adaptation of The Stranger truly feels like a missed opportunity.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2024
With those ticket sales, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s literary sensation has surpassed a remarkable $180 million globally after just 10 days of release.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 18 Aug. 2024
In Ripley, Netflix’s dazzling eight-part adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s landmark 1955 crime novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the approach to the material is more emotionally cold and deliberately paced than in the 1999 movie adaptation.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2024
With the Colleen Hoover adaptation coming in at #3 with $24 million (down 52 percent, nearing an unexpected $100 million), the weekend grossed about $136 million.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adaptation 
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2024
With those ticket sales, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s literary sensation has surpassed a remarkable $180 million globally after just 10 days of release.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 18 Aug. 2024
In Ripley, Netflix’s dazzling eight-part adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s landmark 1955 crime novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the approach to the material is more emotionally cold and deliberately paced than in the 1999 movie adaptation.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Aug. 2024
With the Colleen Hoover adaptation coming in at #3 with $24 million (down 52 percent, nearing an unexpected $100 million), the weekend grossed about $136 million.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adaptation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adaptation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near adaptation
Cite this Entry
“Adaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
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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