What does acclimatizing mean?
Acclimatizing is the process of becoming accustomed to conditions different from those one is used to — most literally a new climate, such as extreme heat, cold, or high altitude, but by extension any unfamiliar environment or circumstance. The word functions as the present participle of the verb "acclimatize" and appears frequently in contexts involving travel, mountaineering, sport, and relocation, as well as figuratively in talk of settling into a new job or culture. It is neutral in tone and works equally well in formal and everyday writing. British English favors "acclimatizing", while American English commonly shortens it to "acclimating"; both are correct. The word derives from French "acclimater", built on "climate", which traces back through Latin "clima" to Greek "klima", meaning slope or region of the earth. Related forms include "acclimatized" and "acclimatization". Because humans and animals alike must adjust physiologically to changed surroundings, acclimatizing is a useful and precise term wherever adaptation over time is meant.
verb (present participle)The present participle of "acclimatize": becoming accustomed to a new climate, environment, or set of conditions.
- Becoming accustomed to a new climate or physical environment (e.g. heat, altitude).
- Adjusting mentally or practically to a new situation, workplace, or way of life (figurative extension).
"After a week of acclimatizing to the high altitude, she finally felt strong enough to attempt the summit."
"The athletes spent two weeks acclimatizing to the tropical humidity before the tournament began."
"New recruits usually need a month or so of acclimatizing before the pace of the job feels normal."
Climbers on Everest can spend weeks acclimatizing before ever attempting the summit — their bodies literally rebuilding themselves for thinner air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acclimatizing
Acclimatizing comes from the verb "acclimatize", borrowed from French "acclimater", formed from the prefix "a-" plus "climat" (climate), ultimately from Latin "clima" and Greek "klima", meaning an inclination or sloping region of the earth. The verb entered English usage in the nineteenth century, during a period when European science took great interest in how people and animals adapt to foreign climates. Its close relatives include "acclimate" (the shorter American form) and the noun "acclimatization".
Related word forms
How acclimatizing is actually used
Neutral in register and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. British English strongly prefers "acclimatize/acclimatizing", while American English often uses the clipped form "acclimate/acclimating"; both are fully accepted within their regions. The figurative sense (adjusting to a new job or culture) is common and carries no negative connotation.
Easily confused with acclimatizing
"Acclimating" is simply the shorter American variant of the same verb; both mean becoming accustomed to new conditions, with "acclimatizing" being more common in British English.