The described technology is generally directed towards adapting the demodulation reference signal sent in a wireless resource data block based on channel estimation performance. In general, if the demodulation reference signal received was not successfully able to be used to demodulate the resource data block, the demodulation reference signal density can be increased up to a maximum density, which costs resource elements but improves the channel estimation accuracy. If the demodulation reference signal received was able to be used to demodulate the resource data block, the demodulation reference signal density can be decreased down to minimum density, which saves resource elements for data. The network device can use HARQ ACK/NACK data (e.g., a current count or counted over a time period) to determine channel estimation performance, and/or the user equipment can recommend a demodulation reference signal density change.