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 second shift seemed counterintuitive and maladaptive, since peak insect abundance is directly related to snowmelt. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Our future depends on whether this ambition is used to reinforce a now-maladaptive status quo, or to evolve, adapt, and conserve as so many among us are already doing. — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026

In a 2025 longitudinal study published in Gifted Child Quarterly, researchers followed 403 high-ability students (IQ ≥ 120) over time and identified two distinct maladaptive motivational pathways among them. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026

Mucosal cells in the tissue grow abnormally and propagate these maladaptive changes, locking in a dysfunctional pattern that drives cravings, weight gain, and insulin resistance. — Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for maladaptive

• adaptive
• captive