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maladaptive

mal-uh-DAP-tiv /ˌmæləˈdæptɪv/

adjectiveC1GREMCAT

AcademicClinical

Not providing adequate or appropriate adjustment to the environment or situation.

In psychology, it describes behaviors (like substance abuse or avoidance) that a person uses to cope with stress but which ultimately make the problem worse.

The story behind the word. The prefix 'mal-' comes from the Latin for 'bad' or 'evil' (as in 'malice' or 'malfunction'). It was combined with 'adaptive' in the late 19th century to describe biological traits that were harmful to a species.

Word relationships

counterproductive: 'Counterproductive' means having the opposite of the desired effect; 'maladaptive' specifically refers to failing to adjust to life.
dysfunctional: 'Dysfunctional' is a broader term for anything not working correctly; 'maladaptive' is specific to adaptation.

adaptive: Showing an ability to change to suit different conditions.
functional: Working in a way that is useful or helpful.

Commonly confused with

unadapted: 'Unadapted' means not changed yet; 'maladaptive' means changed in a way that is 'bad' (mal-).

Word family

maladaptation (noun): The state of being maladaptive.

Collocations

maladaptive behavior
maladaptive coping
maladaptive patterns
maladaptive daydreaming

Example sentences

"While social withdrawal might feel safe in the short term, it is ultimately a maladaptive response to anxiety." Describing a coping mechanism.
"Therapy aims to replace maladaptive habits with healthier ways of managing stress." Discussing behavioral patterns.

Memory hook

Mal-adaptive: 'Mal' means bad, so it's a 'Bad Adaptation'. A bad fit.

When not to use

Don't use it for simple mistakes; it refers to a pattern of behavior that is harmful to the person's long-term well-being.

Fun facts

The term 'maladaptive daydreaming' was coined in 2002 to describe a condition where people spend excessive time in vivid, complex fantasies.