fail to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where individuals, organizations, or systems do not adjust to new conditions or changes. Example: "Companies that fail to adapt to technological advancements risk falling behind their competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They didn't fail to adapt; they failed to make the correct adaptations.

The Guardian - Opinion

There have sometimes been penalties for those who fail to adapt to the changing industry.

The New Yorker

But a lot of groups fail to adapt to fast changes so quickly".

The Guardian - Film

Many fail to adapt to the change in climate and language.

The Economist

But retailers that fail to adapt swiftly, such as Marks & Spencer, are brutally punished.

The Economist

Restaurants, pubs and clubs often fail to adapt their entrances to allow wheelchair access, or refuse to install disabled toilets.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not just fast, but Ascot fast, and it will be no great surprise if they fail to adapt.

The Guardian - Sport

Show business, like evolution, is an inexorable and unforgiving process: those who fail to adapt are doomed to extinction.

The New York Times

As shopping evolves in a digital age, why should we care if we lose those traditional retailers that fail to adapt?

The Guardian

Firms that fail to adapt to changing circumstances have always gone bust: it's part of the cut and thrust of economic life.

The Guardian - Business

Retailers will be hit by an "asteroid strike" of technological change that will kill off those that fail to adapt, according to Dixons Carphone boss Seb James.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the consequences of inaction, use "fail to adapt" to underscore the negative outcomes resulting from a lack of flexibility and responsiveness to change.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to adapt" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "unable to adjust" or "not able to change" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to adapt" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an inability or lack of success in adjusting to new conditions or circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fail to adapt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses an inability or lack of success in adjusting to new conditions. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from neutral to formal. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. When writing, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse and considering synonyms like "unable to adjust" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to adjust

Focuses on the lack of ability to change, rather than the act of failing.

not able to change

Emphasizes the incapacity to modify or alter behavior or strategy.

struggle to adjust

Highlights the difficulty experienced while attempting to adapt.

resist change

Implies an active opposition to adapting, rather than a passive failure.

prove inflexible

Stresses a lack of pliability or willingness to compromise or change.

remain static

Emphasizes a lack of movement or progress in adapting.

become outdated

Highlights the result of not adapting, which is becoming obsolete.

miss the mark

Focuses on the failure to achieve a desired outcome due to lack of adaptation.

fall behind

Highlights the consequence of not adapting, resulting in lagging progress.

stick to the old ways

Highlights the resistance to adopting new methods.

FAQs

How can I use "fail to adapt" in a sentence?

You can use "fail to adapt" to describe situations where someone or something is unable to adjust to new conditions, for example: "Companies that fail to adapt to technological advancements risk falling behind their competitors."

What are some alternatives to "fail to adapt"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to adjust", "not able to change", or "struggle to adjust" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "fail to adapt" or "failed to adapt"?

The choice between "fail to adapt" and "failed to adapt" depends on the tense you want to convey. Use "fail to adapt" for present or general situations, and "failed to adapt" for past situations.

What's the difference between "fail to adapt" and "refuse to adapt"?

"Fail to adapt" implies an inability or lack of success in adjusting, while "refuse to adapt" suggests a conscious decision not to change. The former may be due to circumstances, the latter is a choice.