What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maladaptive
Example
His maladaptive behavior towards stress was to isolate himself from others. [maladaptive: adjective]
Example
She realized that her maladaptive coping mechanisms were only making her anxiety worse. [maladaptive: adjective]
dysfunctional
Example
The company's dysfunctional management style led to high turnover rates. [dysfunctional: adjective]
Example
His dysfunctional eating habits were causing health problems. [dysfunctional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dysfunctional is more commonly used than maladaptive in everyday language. Dysfunctional is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while maladaptive is more specific and is primarily used in psychology and therapy contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maladaptive and dysfunctional?
Both maladaptive and dysfunctional are formal words that are typically used in professional or academic contexts, although dysfunctional may be used in more casual settings as well.
