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maladaptive

adjective

/ˌmæl əˈdæp tɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of maladaptive

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 containing 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.

History 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.

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Further 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.