maladaptation Definition
- 1a failure to adapt adequately, especially to environmental or social stressors
- 2an adaptation that is less helpful than harmful to the organism
Using maladaptation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "maladaptation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The maladaptation of the species to its environment led to its extinction.
Example
His maladaptation to the new job caused him to quit after only a week.
Example
The maladaptation of the company's business model to the changing market conditions led to its bankruptcy.
maladaptation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for maladaptation
Antonyms for maladaptation
Phrases with maladaptation
a failure to adapt to cultural norms and expectations
Example
His cultural maladaptation made it difficult for him to make friends in the new country.
behavior that is not helpful or adaptive to the individual or society
Example
His maladaptive behavior led to his expulsion from school.
maladaptive coping mechanisms
unhealthy ways of dealing with stress or trauma
Example
Her maladaptive coping mechanisms included substance abuse and self-harm.
Summary: maladaptation in Brief
Maladaptation [mal-ad-uh p-tey-shuhn] refers to a failure to adapt adequately to environmental or social stressors, or an adaptation that is less helpful than harmful to the organism. Examples include the maladaptation of a species to its environment, or an individual's maladaptation to a new job. Phrases include 'cultural maladaptation,' 'maladaptive behavior,' and 'maladaptive coping mechanisms.'
