maladaptive

adjective

mal·​adap·​tive ˌma-lə-ˈdap-tiv 

1

: marked by poor or inadequate adaptation

2

: not conducive to adaptation

Examples of maladaptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Introduction During traumatic periods and their aftermath, our brains can fall into habitual ways of thinking that may be helpful in the short run but become maladaptive years later. —Quanta Magazine, 6 June 2024

Depending on the situation, compartmentalizing can be adaptive or maladaptive. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2024

So, for example, post-traumatic stress disorder is a maladaptive memory. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

With chronic loneliness, that stress response gets stuck and becomes disadvantageous — similar to the way in which anxiety can shift a helpful fear response to a maladaptive mental illness. —Dana G. Smith, New York Times, 9 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1