Unadapted: meaning, definitions and examples

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unadapted

 

[ ʌnˈædæptɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

not adjusted

Unadapted refers to something that has not been modified or adjusted to fit a particular condition or environment. It can describe organisms that have not developed features necessary for survival in a specific habitat or situations where something remains unchanged despite different circumstances.

Synonyms

unaltered, unchanged, unsuitable

Examples of usage

  • The species remained unadapted to the cold climate.
  • Her approach to the project was unadapted to the team's needs.
  • The novel was unadapted for the screen, maintaining its original narrative.

Etymology

The word 'unadapted' is formed from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', added to the past participle of the verb 'adapt', which originates from the Latin 'adaptare'. 'Adaptare' itself is a combination of 'ad-', meaning 'to', and 'aptare', meaning 'to fit'. The term has been in use since the late 19th century in English, carrying connotations that pertain to the lack of modification in various contexts—from biology, where it might refer to species that haven't evolved features necessary for survival, to literature and technology, where it can describe works or systems that haven't been tailored for specific functionalities or audiences. Over time, its usage has expanded to general contexts that require an understanding of suitability and modification.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,631, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.