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
This could include neural strain, inflammation or maladaptive reorganization.
—
Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
What might feel like emotional expression or comfort-seeking (like reminiscing or venting) can sometimes be avoidant or maladaptive.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
This is especially true for maladaptive forms of perfectionism.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
However, when venting is done in a maladaptive or unhealthy way, people may actually feel worse.
—Dr. Judith Joseph, Time, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maladaptive
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Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
What might feel like emotional expression or comfort-seeking (like reminiscing or venting) can sometimes be avoidant or maladaptive.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
This is especially true for maladaptive forms of perfectionism.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
However, when venting is done in a maladaptive or unhealthy way, people may actually feel worse.
—Dr. Judith Joseph, Time, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maladaptive
Cite this Entry
“Maladaptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maladaptive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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