unresponsive to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unresponsive to change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, organization, or system that does not adapt or react to new circumstances or developments. Example: "The company's policies have been unresponsive to change, leading to a decline in employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But TV debate formats are generally unresponsive to change.

The Guardian

This makes the Brotherhood highly disciplined but also unresponsive to change.

The New Yorker

Kinematic variables were also unresponsive to change in work status and Oswestry questionnaire scores over time.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

EQ-VAS proved to be unresponsive to change from baseline.

Bone and Joint Research

This means that the EQ5D proved to be relatively unresponsive to change.

BMC Health Services Research

EQ-VAS proved to be unresponsive to change from baseline and ICECAP-O was moderately responsive at four weeks only.

Bone and Joint Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In that environment, the glioblastoma cells were much more passive and unresponsive to changes in chemical cues, including PDGF.

Yale University

Chart 11 assumes a property market where in the short to medium term supply is almost completely inelastic (ie, unresponsive to changes in price), partly as a result of planning controls.

The Economist

One of the review's key findings said: "Australia's current resource charging arrangements fail to collect an appropriate return for the community from allowing private firms to exploit non-renewable resources, mainly because these arrangements are unresponsive to changes in profits".

The Guardian

Our findings on migration responses to local labour market shocks provide additional evidence along these lines: Māori living in their iwi network areas are almost entirely unresponsive to changes in local economic opportunities.

IZA Journal of Migration

While her results are consistent with our finding that local Māori are almost entirely unresponsive to changes in economic opportunities, our results suggest that mobility in response to economic opportunities has increased substantially for non-local Māori since the reform period.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unresponsive to change", consider the specific context. Is it a system, an organization, or a person? Choose synonyms like "resistant" or "inflexible" for nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid generic use of "unresponsive to change". Instead of simply stating something is "unresponsive to change", explain why it is unresponsive and what the consequences are. This provides a more insightful analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unresponsive to change" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its inability or unwillingness to adapt to new circumstances. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unresponsive to change" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes a lack of adaptation or reaction to new circumstances. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase. It functions as an adjective phrase, often used to express concern or criticism. While suitable for various contexts, more specific synonyms may be preferred in technical or academic settings. Common errors include overuse without context. The phrase appears frequently in scientific and news media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Resistant to change

Emphasizes active opposition to change rather than a passive lack of response.

Impervious to change

Suggests an inability to be affected by change, implying a stronger resistance.

Inflexible to change

Highlights the rigidity and lack of adaptability.

Static and unchanging

Describes a state of being without movement or alteration.

Not adapting to change

Directly states the failure to adjust to new conditions.

Lacking adaptability

Focuses on the absence of the ability to adapt.

Set in its ways

Implies a firm adherence to established routines or methods.

Rigid and unyielding

Highlights the firmness and inflexibility in the face of change.

Not receptive to new ideas

Indicates a closed-mindedness towards innovation and change.

Stuck in the past

Suggests an inability to move beyond old habits or beliefs.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "unresponsive to change"?

To be "unresponsive to change" means not reacting or adapting to new conditions, developments, or requirements. It suggests a lack of flexibility or adaptability in a given situation.

What can I say instead of "unresponsive to change"?

You can use alternatives like "resistant to change", "impervious to change", or "inflexible to change" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "unresponsive to change" typically used?

The phrase "unresponsive to change" is often used in contexts related to organizations, systems, or individuals that struggle to adapt to new environments, technologies, or market conditions. Examples include describing a company's outdated policies or an individual's resistance to new ideas.

Is "unresponsive to change" a negative attribute?

Yes, being "unresponsive to change" is generally considered a negative attribute, especially in dynamic environments. It suggests a lack of adaptability and potential stagnation, which can lead to missed opportunities or failure to thrive.