Adjustment vs. Adaptation — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
Adjustment refers to minor changes made to fit or suit conditions, while adaptation involves more profound or evolutionary changes that enable organisms or systems to thrive in new environments.
Difference Between Adjustment and Adaptation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Adjustment often involves small-scale changes or tweaks in response to immediate circumstances or challenges. Whereas adaptation refers to a deeper, sometimes biological change that allows an organism or system to better function or survive in its environment.
Adjustment is typically a reactive process, aimed at maintaining functionality under existing conditions. On the other hand, adaptation can be seen as proactive, involving changes that may prepare an entity for long-term survival and efficiency in changing conditions.
While adjustment might simply modify existing structures or behaviors, adaptation often leads to the development of new features or behaviors entirely. Conversely, adaptation implies a more significant level of integration and evolution, which can impact an entity’s fundamental operations or genetics.
Adjustments are generally quicker and less costly than adaptations, which can require extensive time and resources to develop.
Comparison Chart
Scale of Change
Minor, incremental changes
Significant, often fundamental changes
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Response Type
Reactive to immediate needs
Proactive to long-term survival
Duration
Often temporary or short-term
Typically long-term or permanent
Cost
Lower cost and effort
Higher cost and effort involved
Outcome
Maintains or improves functionality
Enhances survival or functionality
Compare with Definitions
Adjustment
Adaptation or adjustment to new conditions.
His adjustment to college life was smooth and uneventful.
Adaptation
A change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
Over generations, the fish developed an adaptation to colder waters.
Adjustment
The process of modifying something to fit, match, or conform to a particular standard or condition.
The adjustment of the thermostat ensured the room temperature was comfortable.
Adaptation
The process in sensory modification by which a receptor becomes less responsive to repeated applications of a stimulus.
After several minutes in the dark room, his eyes underwent adaptation to the low light.
Adjustment
The act of making something different without significantly changing its essential nature.
Minor adjustment to the project plan were necessary to stay on schedule.
Adaptation
The action or process of adapting or being adapted.
The adaptation of the novel into a film was critically acclaimed.
Adjustment
A small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result.
She made a slight adjustment to the focus of the microscope.
Adaptation
Adjustment to environmental conditions.
Plant species show remarkable adaptation to high altitudes.
Adjustment
Psychological or social adaptation, especially of adjusting to new information or circumstances.
Adjustment to the loss took time but was eventually manageable.
Adaptation
A film, television drama, or stage play that has been adapted from a written work, typically a novel.
His favorite book received an adaptation that aired on national TV.
Adjustment
The act of adjusting or the state of being adjusted.
Adaptation
In biology, adaptation has three related meanings. Firstly, it is the dynamic evolutionary process that fits organisms to their environment, enhancing their evolutionary fitness.
Adjustment
A means of adjusting.
Adaptation
The act or process of adapting.
Adjustment
Settlement of a debt or claim.
Adaptation
The state of being adapted.
Adjustment
A modification, fluctuation, or correction
Made an adjustment on the telephone bill.
An adjustment in the consumer price index.
Adaptation
Something, such as a device or mechanism, that is changed or changes so as to become suitable to a new or special application or situation.
Adjustment
The action of adjusting something
Adaptation
A composition that has been recast into a new form
The play is an adaptation of a short novel.
Adjustment
The result of adjusting something; a small change; a minor correction; a modification or alteration
Adaptation
Change or adjustment in structure or habits by which a species becomes better able to function in its environment, occurring through the course of evolution by means of natural selection.
Adjustment
The settling or balancing of a financial account
The credit card company made an adjustment to my account to waive the late fee.
Adaptation
A structure or habit that results from this process.
Adjustment
The behavioural process of balancing conflicting needs, or needs against obstacles in the environment.
When Jim graduated, he found adjustment to the working world difficult.
Adaptation
(Physiology) The responsive adjustment of a sense organ, such as the eye, to varying conditions, such as light intensity.
Adjustment
The assessment, by an insurance company, of a claim; the settlement of such a claim
Adaptation
Change in behavior of a person or group in response to new or modified surroundings.
Adjustment
The act of adjusting, or condition of being adjusted; act of bringing into proper relations; regulation.
Success depends on the nicest and minutest adjustment of the parts concerned.
Adaptation
(uncountable) The process of adapting something or becoming adapted to a situation; adjustment, modification.
Adjustment
Settlement of claims; an equitable arrangement of conflicting claims, as in set-off, contribution, exoneration, subrogation, and marshaling.
Adaptation
(countable) A change that is made or undergone to suit a condition or environment.
Adjustment
The operation of bringing all the parts of an instrument, as a microscope or telescope, into their proper relative position for use; the condition of being thus adjusted; as, to get a good adjustment; to be in or out of adjustment.
Adaptation
The process of change that an organism undergoes to be better suited to its environment.
Adjustment
Making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances
Adaptation
An instance of an organism undergoing change, or the structure or behavior that is changed.
Adjustment
The act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)
Adaptation
(uncountable) The process of adapting an artistic work from a different medium.
Adjustment
The act of adjusting something to match a standard
Adaptation
An artistic work that has been adapted from a different medium.
Adjustment
The process of adapting to something (such as environmental conditions)
Adaptation
(sociology) The means by which social groups adapt to different social and physical environments.
Adjustment
An amount added or deducted on the basis of qualifying circumstances;
An allowance for profit
Adaptation
The act or process of adapting, or fitting; or the state of being adapted or fitted; fitness.
Adaptation
The result of adapting; an adapted form.
Adaptation
A written work (as a novel) that has been recast in a new form;
The play is an adaptation of a short novel
Adaptation
The process of adapting to something (such as environmental conditions)
Adaptation
(physiology) the responsive adjustment of a sense organ (as the eye) to varying conditions (as of light)
Common Curiosities
What is an example of an adaptation?
Developing thicker fur in colder climates is an adaptation in some mammals.
What drives the need for adjustment?
Immediate practical needs or minor discrepancies usually necessitate adjustments.
Are adaptations always biological?
While many adaptations are biological, the term can also refer to long-term changes in organizations or systems.
What is an example of an adjustment?
Adjusting the height of a desk to fit better is an example of an adjustment.
How does adaptation occur in businesses?
Businesses adapt by changing strategies or operations to better compete or survive in the market.
How can understanding adaptation help in conservation?
Recognizing how species adapt to environments can guide effective conservation strategies.
Is adaptation always a positive outcome?
While usually beneficial, some adaptations can become maladaptive under new circumstances.
What is cultural adaptation?
Cultural adaptation involves changing social customs, beliefs, and practices in response to new societal conditions.
How fast do adjustments typically occur?
Adjustments can often be implemented quickly, sometimes immediately.
What is the main difference between adjustment and adaptation in biology?
Biological adjustment involves immediate responses like behavior changes, whereas adaptation involves genetic changes over generations.
What role does technology play in adaptation?
Technology can facilitate adaptation by providing new tools and methods to handle environmental changes.
How does adaptation affect evolution?
Adaptation is a key driver of evolutionary processes, leading to species divergence and speciation.
Can a person adjust to psychological stress?
Yes, psychological adjustment involves coping mechanisms and behavioral changes in response to stress.
Can adjustment lead to adaptation?
Yes, continual adjustments can sometimes lead to long-term adaptations.
How do adjustments and adaptations differ in their impact on performance?
Adjustments refine performance by optimizing existing conditions, while adaptations fundamentally enhance performance by changing the baseline conditions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
