Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Showing faulty adaptation: Relating to, characterized by, or being an adaptation (a trait or behavior) that is more harmful than helpful in a given environment or situation. It describes something that reduces an individual's ability to cope with or adjust to their environment effectively.

Usage

• The term "maladaptive" is primarily used in psychology, biology, and sociology to describe behaviors, traits, or patterns that are counterproductive or detrimental to an individual's well-being or survival.
• It is often used to contrast with "adaptive" behaviors. It functions as a descriptive adjective and is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is" or "seems."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Avoidance can be a maladaptive response to anxiety, as it prevents the person from learning that the feared situation is safe.
  • The scientist studied the maladaptive traits that made the species less likely to survive in the changing climate.
  • His perfectionism, while sometimes driving success, became maladaptive when it led to chronic stress and burnout.

Advanced Usage

• "maladaptive coping mechanism": A specific, often unconscious, strategy for managing stress that ultimately creates more problems.
  • Substance abuse is a maladaptive coping mechanism for dealing with trauma.
• "maladaptive daydreaming": A psychological concept describing extensive, vivid fantasy activity that replaces human interaction and/or interferes with daily life.
  • Her maladaptive daydreaming made it difficult for her to focus on her work or maintain relationships.

Variants and Related Words

• Maladaptation (n): The state or condition of being maladaptive; a specific trait or behavior that is maladaptive.
  • The extinction of the species was due to a critical maladaptation to the new predators.
• Adaptive (adj): Having the capacity for or showing adaptation; opposite of maladaptive.
  • Resilience is an adaptive quality that helps people recover from adversity.

Synonyms

• Dysfunctional: Not operating normally or properly.
• Counterproductive: Having the opposite of the desired effect.
• Detrimental: Tending to cause harm.

Antonyms

• Adaptive: Showing successful adjustment.
• Functional: Fulfilling a purpose or role effectively.
• Beneficial: Producing good or helpful results.

Adjective

1. showing faulty adaptation