maladaptive
mal-uh-DAP-tiv
/ˌmæl.əˈdæp.tɪv/
Not providing adequate or appropriate adjustment to the environment or situation; hindering healthy coping.
Describes thoughts, actions, or coping strategies that may provide short-term relief but ultimately create harm or dysfunction.
The story behind the word. Formed by combining the Latin prefix 'mal-' (badly) with 'adapt', this 20th-century psychological term was created to describe behaviors that fail to fit an individual's actual environment.
Word relationships
- dysfunctional: Refers to impaired or abnormal social or psychological functioning.
- counterproductive: Focuses on producing the opposite of the desired result.
- adaptive: Helping an organism or individual adjust successfully to environmental demands.
- constructive: Serving a useful and positive purpose.
Commonly confused with
- misadapted: Misadapted is an uncommon term usually restricted to evolutionary biology; maladaptive is standard in psychology.
Word family
- maladaptation (noun): A failure to adjust adequately or appropriately.
Collocations
- maladaptive behavior
- maladaptive coping mechanism
- maladaptive thoughts
- maladaptive pattern
Example sentences
- "Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to replace maladaptive thinking habits with healthier coping strategies." Psychological Therapy
- "Avoidance is a common maladaptive response to severe anxiety that reinforces fear over time." Behavioral Science
Memory hook
MAL (bad) + ADAPTIVE (adjusting). BAD AT ADAPTING to stress. Bad adjustment to a situation.
When not to use
Do not use for physical traits that are simply ugly or unusual without affecting function.
Fun facts
- Perfectionism is classified by psychologists as maladaptive when it leads to paralysis and anxiety rather than productivity.
Explore more words
adverse, adapt, Coping mechanism, adaptability, adaptive, reactive
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