| English Dictionary |
MALADAPTIVE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Dictionary entry overview: What does maladaptive mean?
• MALADAPTIVE (adjective)
The adjective MALADAPTIVE has 1 sense:
1. showing faulty adaptation
Familiarity information: MALADAPTIVE used as an adjective is very rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Showing faulty adaptation
Similar:
dysfunctional; nonadaptive ((of a trait or condition) failing to serve an adjustive purpose)
maladjustive (poorly adjusted)
Antonym:
adaptive (having a capacity for adaptation)
Context examples
These behaviors can lead to maladaptive consequences in the affected individual's life.
(Attention Deficit Disorder, NCI Thesaurus)
When normal personality traits become inflexible and maladaptive, causing subjective distress or impaired social functioning, they can be considered disorders.
(Personality Disorder, NIH CRISP Thesaurus)
In the current study, the researchers reported that participants who did not show the neuroflexibility response in the prefrontal cortex during stress had higher levels of self-reported binge drinking, anger outbursts, and other maladaptive coping behaviors.
(Researchers identify brain circuits that help people cope with stress, NIH)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"A fire should be extinguished when it is small; an enemy should be subdued while young." (Bhutanese proverb)
"Life is made of two days. One which is sweet and the other is bitter." (Arabic proverb)
"Hang a thief when he's young, and he'll no' steal when he's old." (Scottish proverb)