Get more practice with the workbook

Build vocabulary faster with structured lessons and activities.

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

4.6

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

Buy Now

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

4.8

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities, 354 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

Buy Now

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs

4.8

Buy Now

✔ Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 70 categorized lessons, 175 practical activities, 266 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

maladaptive

Maladaptive (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˌmæl əˈdæp tɪv/

What does maladaptive mean?

Harmful, dysfunctional, or counterproductive in a particular context or environment.
"The student's maladaptive study habits were hindering their academic success."

Detailed Meaning of Maladaptive

Maladaptive behavior can interfere with an individual's ability to function effectively in society or to adapt to new situations or challenges. It can also create problems in personal relationships or impair mental and emotional well-being. Maladaptive behavior can manifest in various forms, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, aggression, or avoidance. The term "maladaptive" is often used in the field of psychology and psychiatry to describe behaviors or traits that are considered pathological or abnormal, and that may require therapeutic intervention to address.

Example Sentences for Maladaptive

1. The athlete's maladaptive eating habits were affecting their performance.
2. The employee's maladaptive communication style was causing conflicts with coworkers.
3. The person's maladaptive coping mechanisms were making their mental health worse.
4. The child's maladaptive behavior was causing problems in the classroom.
5. The individual's maladaptive attachment style was negatively impacting their relationships.
6. The patient's maladaptive thoughts were contributing to their anxiety disorder.

Origin and Etymology of Maladaptive

The adjective 'maladaptive' combines two elements: 'mal-' and 'adaptive.' 'Mal-' is a prefix that signifies 'bad' or 'harmful,' while 'adaptive' pertains to the ability to adjust or change according to specific circumstances. Therefore, 'maladaptive' essentially means something that is harmful or detrimental because it fails to adapt effectively to a given context or environment. Its etymology encapsulates the idea of a response or behavior that is counterproductive or dysfunctional in a particular situation, highlighting its inappropriateness or harm when compared to more suitable adaptations.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective maladaptive:

dysfunctional

beneficial

adaptive

helpful

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Maladaptive

1. The person's maladaptive response to stress was leading to physical health problems.
2. The teenager's maladaptive social behaviors were causing them to feel isolated.
3. The person's maladaptive perfectionism was affecting their ability to complete tasks.
4. The individual's maladaptive addiction was causing them to neglect their responsibilities.
5. The person's maladaptive personality traits were making it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships.
6. Maladaptive habits hinder progress, impede success, and stifle personal growth.
7. Chronic procrastination is maladaptive, leading to missed opportunities.
8. Maladaptive perfectionism sabotages creativity and stifles innovation.
9. Substance abuse is a maladaptive response to trauma and stress.
10. Maladaptive parenting styles have lasting impacts on children.
11. Maladaptive financial choices can result in crippling debt.
12. Maladaptive responses to criticism strain relationships and hinder growth.
13. Maladaptive technology use disrupts work-life balance and well-being.
14. Maladaptive time management impedes productivity and success.
15. Maladaptive leadership behaviors harm team dynamics and morale.
16. Avoiding challenges is a maladaptive approach to personal development.
17. Maladaptive risk aversion limits opportunities and achievement.
18. Maladaptive communication patterns damage relationships and collaboration.
19. Maladaptive self-doubt holds individuals back from reaching their potential.
20. Chronic worry is maladaptive, impairing mental health and decision-making.
21. Maladaptive anger management escalates conflicts and disrupts peace.
22. Maladaptive thoughts fuel irrational fears, causing unnecessary anxiety.
23. Job-hopping driven by maladaptive impulses disrupts career growth.
24. Maladaptive isolation harms social connections and emotional well-being.
25. Maladaptive eating habits jeopardize physical health and well-being.