óaðlögunarhæf

óaðlögunarhæf is an Icelandic adjective that translates to "unadaptable" or "inflexible" in English. It describes something or someone that is resistant to change or unable to adjust to new conditions. The term is often used in contexts related to behavior, systems, or even physical objects that fail to adapt to their environment or evolving circumstances.

In social or psychological discussions, óaðlögunarhæf can refer to individuals who struggle to cope with change, preferring established routines and finding new situations difficult to navigate. This inflexibility might manifest as resistance to new ideas, difficulty in learning new skills, or a general unwillingness to deviate from established patterns.

Economically or institutionally, the term can describe organizations or systems that are slow to respond to market shifts, technological advancements, or societal demands. Such óaðlögunarhæf systems are at risk of becoming obsolete or inefficient if they cannot evolve.

The etymology of the word breaks down into "ó-" (un-), "aðlögun" (adaptation), and "-hæf" (capable). Therefore, óaðlögunarhæf literally means "not capable of adaptation." It carries a connotation of limitation or a deficit in the ability to change.