The adaptation science enterprise has expanded rapidly in recent years. This rapid expansion has been based on the growing demand for knowledge that can help in enhancing our understanding regarding climate change adaptation. However, despite significant investments in adaptation science, it is still not clear to what extent these investments have resulted in actual implementation of adaptation. We suggest that one potential constraint could be found in the underlying heuristics, which are used to direct both adaptation research and practice. In this presentation, we explore a range of adaptation heuristics, assess the extent these have become embedded in current adaptation discourse, and discuss the potential ramifications some of these heuristics might have for adaptation research and practice. The research is supported by multiple methods and analysis, including quantitative content analysis of the adaptation literature and a qualitative analysis of the implications of such heuristics for enhancing or hindering the implementation of adaptation. Results demonstrate that a number of heuristic devices are commonly used in both the peer-reviewed adaptation literature as well as within grey literature designed to inform adaptation practitioners. Furthermore, the apparent lack of critical reflection upon the robustness of these heuristics for diverse contexts may contribute to potential cognitive bias with respect to the framing of adaptation by both researchers and practitioners. We propose a several ways forward in what is needed for ensuring that adaptation heuristics can move the field forward in a robust manner and not impede the implementation of adaptation in practice.