What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maladjusted
Example
The child's maladjusted behavior was a concern for his parents. [maladjusted: adjective]
Example
She sought therapy to help her cope with her maladjustment to the new job. [maladjustment: noun]
misfit
Example
He always felt like a misfit in his conservative hometown. [misfit: noun]
Example
She found it hard to make friends because she was a misfit in her new school. [misfit: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misfit is more commonly used than maladjusted in everyday language. Misfit is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while maladjusted is more specialized and is typically used in psychology and social work contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maladjusted and misfit?
Maladjusted has a more formal connotation and is typically used in professional settings, while misfit is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
