What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misadjusted
Example
The printer was misadjusted, causing the pages to come out crooked. [misadjusted: adjective]
Example
I had to call the technician because the thermostat was misadjusted and the temperature was too high. [misadjusted: past participle]
maladjusted
Example
The child was maladjusted and had trouble making friends at school. [maladjusted: adjective]
Example
The therapist worked with the patient to address their maladjusted behavior and improve their coping skills. [maladjusted: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Maladjusted is more commonly used than misadjusted in everyday language. Maladjusted is a term used in psychology and social sciences to describe a person's emotional or behavioral issues, while misadjusted is a technical term used in engineering or mechanics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misadjusted and maladjusted?
Misadjusted is more formal than maladjusted. It is typically used in technical or mechanical contexts, while maladjusted is used in social or psychological contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
