slow to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slow to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that takes a long time to adjust to new conditions or changes. Example: "The company was slow to adapt to the rapidly changing market trends, which ultimately affected its competitiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Baseball was slow to adapt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Muzak was slow to adapt.

The New Yorker

Law firms are notoriously slow to adapt to new technologies.

Harvard University

"All were too slow to adapt", writes Barry.

The Guardian

As formal regulatory structures are understandably slow to adapt, private ordering has filled this regulatory niche.

Harvard University

Today's business environment is unforgiving of companies that are slow to adapt.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said the team was slow to adapt to his trademark triangle offense.

The New York Times - Sports

He concedes that England had been slow to adapt to the frenetic pace of current ODIs.

The Guardian - Sport

They tend to be slow to adapt to changing public psychology.

The Guardian - Business

Some might argue that the fashion industry was actually quite slow to adapt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Public radio has been slow to adapt to the digital world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slow to adapt", consider specifying what the subject is adapting to. This provides clarity and context. For example, "The company was slow to adapt to the new market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "slow to adapt" without providing specific examples or evidence. Vague statements can weaken your argument. Instead, offer concrete instances to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slow to adapt" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a delayed or gradual adjustment to new conditions. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slow to adapt" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a delayed or gradual adjustment to new conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples demonstrate its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to specify the subject's adaptation target for enhanced clarity. Be careful about overgeneralization, providing specific examples. Overall, "slow to adapt" serves as a valuable tool for pointing out areas needing improvement or highlighting challenges in the face of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling to adjust

Focuses on the difficulty experienced during the adaptation process.

having difficulty adapting

Highlights the challenge faced when trying to adapt.

lagging in adaptation

Emphasizes the delay in the process of adapting.

resistant to change

Indicates opposition or unwillingness to adapt.

hesitant to adjust

Suggests a cautious or reluctant approach to adaptation.

unwilling to change

Implies a deliberate refusal to adapt.

failing to evolve

Highlights the lack of progress in adapting over time.

behind the curve

Indicates a position of being less advanced or up-to-date.

out of step

Suggests a lack of alignment or synchronization with current trends.

slow to react

Emphasizes the delay in responding to changes or new situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "slow to adapt" to describe entities or individuals that take a significant amount of time to adjust to new conditions or changes. For instance, "The education system was "slow to adapt" to the needs of the digital age".

What are some alternatives to "slow to adapt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "struggling to adjust", "resistant to change", or "lagging behind".

Is it grammatically correct to say "slow to adapt"?

Yes, "slow to adapt" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing a lack of speed in the adaptation process.

What's the difference between "slow to adapt" and "reluctant to change"?

"Slow to adapt" implies a gradual or delayed adjustment, while "reluctant to change" suggests a resistance or unwillingness to embrace new things. The former might be due to circumstance, while the latter is more about attitude.