averse to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "averse to change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is reluctant to accept change or to new ideas. For example, "My boss tends to be averse to change; he is very resistant to new ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Bank of Madura's employees are poorly skilled and averse to change.

The Economist

Swofford said he was comfortable with the size of the league but not averse to change.

The New York Times - Sports

On the whole the party, like Japan itself, is conservative and averse to change.

The Economist

Jennifer Henley London "Conservative" means "averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values".

The Guardian

First are the "positive" sceptics who, while not averse to change, have reservations about the specific proposals.

The Economist

He went on: "While I don't agree with everything he is doing, it had become an organization averse to change.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

But Congress is facing so many potentially calamitous tax and budget issues that another theory is brewing: a combination of Democrats, once averse to changes to social welfare programs, and senior Republicans may form some sort of new deal-making consensus through sheer necessity to avoid large tax increases and significant military cuts.

The New York Times

And yet if charities are to grow and deliver the best possible benefits to the individuals and communities they support, this risk-averse attitude needs to change.

The Guardian

While French people are historically risk averse, it is starting to change.

TechCrunch

There may be a possible link between varied career experience and entrepreneurship simply because those who are less risk averse are more likely to change their jobs and more likely to become entrepreneurs (Åstebro and Thompson 2011) or because those with lower ability are more likely to change their jobs and thus more likely to enter self-employment (Evans and Leighton 1989).

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Google is so boredom-averse that it seems to change its logo every day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group or organization as "averse to change", provide specific examples of their behavior or policies to support your claim. This adds credibility and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone "averse to change" is necessarily disagreeing with the proposed change on its merits. Their resistance might stem from a general discomfort with disruption rather than a specific objection to the new idea itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "averse to change" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a characteristic of being disinclined or opposed to alterations. As Ludwig AI states, it accurately describes a reluctance to accept new ideas or modifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "averse to change" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a reluctance or opposition to alterations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral tone and serves to characterize individuals, groups, or entities resistant to innovation or modification. When employing "averse to change", provide specific examples to strengthen your claims and avoid confusing general aversion with specific disagreements. As alternative, consider "resistant to change" or "reluctant to adapt" to add nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resistant to change

This alternative shares a high degree of semantic similarity, directly implying opposition or reluctance towards modifications.

reluctant to adapt

This phrase emphasizes a hesitance or unwillingness to adjust to new circumstances or conditions.

opposed to innovation

This suggests a specific resistance to new ideas and methods.

unwilling to modify

This highlights a lack of willingness to make alterations or adjustments.

set in one's ways

This idiom describes someone with fixed habits and an unwillingness to deviate from them.

conservative in outlook

This suggests a preference for traditional values and resistance to progressive changes.

fixed in habit

Focuses on the rigid adherence to routine and the discomfort with any deviation.

unamenable to alteration

Highlights the inflexibility and resistance to being changed or modified.

preferring the status quo

Emphasizes the preference for the current state of affairs and aversion to any changes.

traditionalist

This describes someone who adheres to long-standing customs and traditions and is wary of modernizing influences.

FAQs

How can I use "averse to change" in a sentence?

You can use "averse to change" to describe someone or something that is reluctant to accept changes. For example, "The company's culture is "averse to change", making it difficult to implement new strategies".

What are some alternative ways to express "averse to change"?

Alternatives to "averse to change" include "resistant to change", "reluctant to adapt", or "opposed to innovation".

Is it better to say "averse to change" or "resistant to change"?

Both "averse to change" and "resistant to change" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean if someone is described as "averse to change"?

If someone is described as "averse to change", it means they generally dislike or avoid changes, preferring things to stay as they are. This could be due to various reasons, such as fear of the unknown or a preference for routine.