Communicative adaptability differs from both P. Backlund's and J. M. Wiemann's definitions of communicative competence by stressing the importance of the communicator's ability to perceive contextual constraints and to adapt his or her interaction goals and behavior accordingly. Communicative adaptability produces more satisfactory answers to the questions, Competent to whom? and Competent at what? than other views because it considers the qualitative nature of the interaction and the importance of communicator goals. To make the conception of communicative adaptability useful, it has been necessary to specify some of the salient aspects of a communication context and to explore its dimensional structure. Studies to create a Communicative Adaptability Scale (CAS) have led to the four most common dimensions: social experience, adaptability, emphatic ability, and rewarding impressions. Two criterion variables, self-esteem and communication apprehension were measured. Tests of CAS on both adults and students have produced generally consistent results. Current research is being conducted to extend and further verify the CAS, and future research should focus on the behaviors perceived as competent. (JL)