inability to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's or entity's failure to adjust to new conditions or changes in their environment. Example: "The company's inability to adapt to market trends ultimately led to its decline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So it's their inability to adapt?" I ask.

The Guardian - Tech

Options for pediatric valve replacement are limited by inability to adapt to child growth.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery

I am making fun of the lead character's inability to adapt.

The Economist

"I finally had this idea that I should focus on what I was focused on, which was my inability to adapt this.

The New York Times

Piracy paranoia, from Jack Valenti down, is an excuse for laziness and the inability to adapt to a new business model.

The New York Times - Arts

Experts classify people as mentally retarded if their I.Q.'s are below about 70 and they have an inability to adapt to daily life.

The New York Times

But again, this isn't possible everywhere on the planet: many regions are already limited by their inability to adapt to urban encroachment.

The Guardian

People are classified as mentally retarded if their I.Q.'s are below 70 and they have an inability to adapt to daily life.

The New York Times

While the Dayton defense deserves a lot of credit here, Syracuse's inability to adapt will only increase criticism directed at head coach Jim Boeheim.

The Guardian - Sport

Apart from one or two heart-warming responses from that I treasure, the trend on disclosure to professionals has been characterised by rigid thinking and inability to adapt.

The Guardian

The famine was caused by mismanagement and the inability to adapt to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the economic transformation of China.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inability to adapt", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the reason for the lack of adjustment, whether it's due to inflexibility, lack of resources, or other factors.

Common error

Avoid attributing failure solely to "inability to adapt" without specifying the underlying reasons, such as insufficient training, resistance to new technologies, or systemic issues. Providing context enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to adapt" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a lack of capacity or failure to adjust to changing circumstances. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inability to adapt" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a deficiency in adjusting to new circumstances. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news media, scientific research, and formal business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, the phrase's effectiveness lies in its precision: clearly articulating why this inability exists, rather than using it as a catch-all explanation. Alternatives such as ""failure to adjust"" or ""lack of adaptability"" can provide nuanced options depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Failure to adjust

Emphasizes the unsuccessful attempt to modify oneself to new conditions.

Lack of adaptability

Highlights the absence of the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

Inflexibility

Focuses on the rigid nature and resistance to change.

Resistance to change

Indicates an active opposition or unwillingness to accept new conditions.

Failure to evolve

Highlights the unsuccessful transformation over time.

Stagnation

Suggests a state of inactivity or lack of progress, stemming from the absence of adaptation.

Rigidity

Emphasizes the quality of being stiff and unyielding, making adaptation difficult.

Lack of responsiveness

Focuses on the absence of a timely or appropriate reaction to changing circumstances.

Maladaptation

Refers to an adaptation that is less suitable or even harmful.

Unwillingness to change

Indicates a conscious choice not to modify one's behavior or approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "inability to adapt" to describe a person's or organization's failure to adjust to new circumstances. For example: "The company's "inability to adapt" to market changes led to its decline."

What are some alternatives to "inability to adapt"?

Alternatives include "failure to adjust", "lack of adaptability", or "resistance to change", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "inability to adapt" or "failure to adapt"?

Both phrases are correct, but "failure to adapt" might imply a specific instance of failing, while "inability to adapt" suggests a more general lack of capacity.

What factors contribute to an "inability to adapt"?

Factors can include rigid organizational structures, lack of resources, resistance to change, or insufficient training.