maladaptive
mal-uh-DAP-tiv
/ˌmæl.əˈdæp.tɪv/
Not adjusting adequately or appropriately to the environment or situation; counterproductive.
Describes behaviors that were originally developed to handle stress but end up causing more harm than good long-term.
The story behind the word. Combines Latin 'mal-' (bad or ill) with 'adapt', which stems from 'ad-' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit). A maladaptive response is literally a 'bad fit' for the reality of the situation.
Word relationships
- counterproductive: Counterproductive means achieving the opposite of the desired result; maladaptive emphasizes failure in psychological adaptation.
- dysfunctional: Dysfunctional describes impaired operating systems; maladaptive focuses on inappropriate behavioral responses.
- adaptive: Suited or adjusting successfully to conditions and promoting well-being.
Commonly confused with
- incompetent: Incompetent means lacking skill; maladaptive means using a behavioral strategy that fails to suit the situation.
Word family
- maladaptation (noun): A state or instance of poor or faulty adaptation.
Collocations
- maladaptive behavior
- maladaptive coping
- maladaptive thoughts
- highly maladaptive
Example sentences
- "Substance abuse often functions as a maladaptive strategy for coping with emotional pain." Clinical Psychology
Memory hook
MAL-ADAPTIVE = MAL (badly) ADAPTED behavior. Counterproductive coping mechanism.
When not to use
Do not use for minor mistakes or bad habits that have no connection to coping strategies.
Fun facts
- In evolutionary biology, a maladaptive trait is one that decreases an organism's survival chances over time.
Related words
Explore more words
adverse, adapt, Coping mechanism, adaptability, adaptive, reactive
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