maladapted

American  

[mal-uh-dap-tid] / ˌmæl əˈdæp tɪd /

adjective

1. poorly suited or adapted to a particular condition or set of circumstances.

   maladapted to the demands of modern society.

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Etymology

Origin of maladapted

First recorded in 1940–45; mal- + adapted ( def. )

Example Sentences

His macho posturing is maladapted, only escalating Trina’s troubles and sending him back to his couch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Hot summer conditions are making some urban areas nearly unlivable, and experts are concerned that migration may be the only option in maladapted areas.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2022

That blithe attitude has been fundamental to many of Shannon’s best-known characters, like Mary Katherine Gallagher, the maladapted but plucky schoolgirl who was her signature role on “S.N.L.”

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2022

Suddenly maladapted, these insects became targets for hungry birds, and that caused a domino effect1.

From Nature • Jan. 30, 2018

One problem is that some fish passages are maladapted to the fishes they were built to help.

From Scientific American • Feb. 20, 2013