maladaptive

[mal-uh-dap-tiv]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by maladaptation or incomplete, inadequate, or faulty adaptation.

   The maladaptive behavior of isolated children was difficult to change.

maladaptive

/ ˌmæləˈdæptɪv /

adjective

1. unsuitably adapted or adapting poorly to (a situation, purpose, etc)

2. not encouraging adaptation

Other Word Forms

• maladaptively adverb
• maladapted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maladaptive¹

First recorded in 1930–35; mal- + adaptive

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, this might be a maladaptive coping mechanism and can compound the problem.

Read more on Salon

Reynolds: Redemption was a big theme, and we all have these maladaptive coping mechanisms for our shame and our baggage and our s— we carry around.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The new findings, to be published June 5 in Nature, show how using addictive drugs can drive maladaptive myelination of the brain's reward circuitry, which in turn reinforces drug-seeking behavior.

Read more on Science Daily

With chronic loneliness, that stress response gets stuck and becomes disadvantageous — similar to the way in which anxiety can shift a helpful fear response to a maladaptive mental illness.

Read more on Seattle Times

Indeed, stepdads went on to have as many chicks as did the killers over the birds’ lifetimes—upending the established idea that adoption is maladaptive and hinders a stepparent’s reproductive success.

Read more on Science Magazine

Related Words

• maladjusted