Definition

Not changed or adjusted to fit a new situation or environment.

Example

The unadapted species struggled to survive in the new habitat.

Conversation

I read that some plants are unadapted to the cold climate here.

Really? I didn't know that could be a problem for them.

Yeah, it’s interesting how some species just can't survive.

That makes sense. I guess we should choose plants that thrive in our weather.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unadapted → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "adapted" (from Latin "adaptare", meaning to fit or adjust). The word "unadapted" means not fitted or adjusted to a particular situation or environment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'fitting' or 'adjusting' ('adapted') — that's why unadapted means something that is not adjusted to fit.

Visually Confused Words