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
Teens can ultimately carry this damaging mindset into adulthood, according to Dr. Hafeez, which may manifest in anxiety and low self-esteem, as well as maladaptive coping mechanisms such as self-blame and self-punishment for not meeting perfectionistic standards.
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Melissa Willets, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025
There were concerns that rankings could serve as maladaptive motivators for health institutions, encouraging them to expend resources to climb the ranks rather than to serve their patients.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
That, McSparran says, can lead to potentially dangerous, maladaptive patterns of behavior.
—Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Since maladaptive daydreaming is not yet recognized as an official diagnosis, no diagnostic tests have been developed.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2025
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Melissa Willets, Parents, 22 Sep. 2025
There were concerns that rankings could serve as maladaptive motivators for health institutions, encouraging them to expend resources to climb the ranks rather than to serve their patients.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
That, McSparran says, can lead to potentially dangerous, maladaptive patterns of behavior.
—Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Since maladaptive daydreaming is not yet recognized as an official diagnosis, no diagnostic tests have been developed.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 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 29 Oct. 2025.
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