failing to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not adjust or change in response to new conditions or challenges. Example: "The company's downfall was largely due to failing to adapt to the rapidly changing market demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

NATO, he said, was failing to adapt to the needs of the 21st century.

The New York Times

Traditional representative politics is failing to adapt fully to the modern world," says spokesman Will Brett.

The Guardian

Yet the problem is not unions expressing those rights; it is governments failing to adapt to the times and act in a fiscally responsible manner.

The New York Times

Studies of schools, including those in Belfast and South Wales, suggest that many boys are failing to adapt to the new working world.

The Economist

In many ways the existing aid system is broken – it was designed after the second world war around UN institutions that have been criticised for failing to adapt.

The Guardian

But in typical Rovian fashion, those who speak for the administration accuse its critics — both at home and abroad — of failing to adapt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

With little over two weeks left to convince hesitant shareholders to back the biggest computer merger in history, the CEO said her company could wither if it failed to adapt, i.e: by failing to buy Compaq Computer.

Forbes

There is no evidence that beavers are failing to survive and adapt to English landscapes".

The Guardian

These changes in diet formulation are designed to ameliorate clinical signs of renal failure by adapting dietary intakes to meet the limited ability of failing kidneys to adapt to the normal range of dietary intakes.

Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery

Some organisations are still struggling to adapt and failing to convince the audience why an 'album' of 75 minutes, half-filler, is of any value.

The Guardian

It's come to this: the success of Netflix and Redbox in the United States have driven Blockbuster, as expected, to file for bankruptcy protection after failing to adequately and swiftly adapt its movie-rental model from physical storefronts to mail-order and online technology pioneered by its aforementioned competitors.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failing to adapt", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is not adapting to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failing to adapt" without specifying the area of failure. For instance, instead of saying "The company is failing to adapt", specify "The company is failing to adapt to the new digital landscape."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failing to adapt" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes a state of inability or unwillingness to change in response to new conditions, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failing to adapt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the inability or unwillingness to adjust to changing circumstances. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, primarily in news and media, and scientific domains. While suitable for neutral and professional registers, it carries a slightly more formal tone. To enhance clarity in writing, be specific about what is not being adapted to, and to prevent overgeneralization, avoid using the phrase without context. Alternatives such as "unable to adjust" or "not keeping up with" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not adjusting

A simpler alternative, highlighting the absence of adjustment.

unable to adjust

Focuses on the inability to make necessary changes.

not keeping up with

Highlights the aspect of falling behind due to lack of adaptation.

lagging behind in adapting

Emphasizes the slowness in the process of adapting.

unresponsive to change

Focuses on the lack of reaction to new developments.

resistant to adaptation

Highlights the active opposition to changing.

not evolving with

Focuses on the lack of co-evolution with changing circumstances.

struggling to adjust

Emphasizes the difficulty in making necessary changes.

proving inflexible

Highlights the lack of flexibility as a characteristic.

remaining static

Focuses on the lack of movement or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "failing to adapt" to describe situations where entities or individuals are unable to adjust to changing conditions. For example, "The organization's failing to adapt to new technologies led to its decline."

What are some alternatives to "failing to adapt"?

Alternatives include "unable to adjust", "not keeping up with", or "struggling to adjust" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "failing to adapt" and "failing to adjust"?

While similar, "failing to adapt" often implies a broader, more systemic inability to change, while "failing to adjust" can refer to more specific or individual instances. The choice depends on the context.

What causes organizations to be "failing to adapt"?

Common causes include resistance to change, lack of foresight, inadequate resources, or a rigid organizational structure.