maladaptation

noun

mal·​ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌma-ˌla-ˌdap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce maladaptation (audio)
: poor or inadequate adaptation

Examples of maladaptation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For years, maladaptation was given short shrift as research and policy prioritized mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Stephen Robert Miller, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 Experts call this phenomenon maladaptation. Stephen Robert Miller, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 Until that is underlying conditions change, and perfection turns to maladaptation. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2012 This maladaptation to lack of hip stability causes the knee to be unnaturally pinched between the upper leg and lower leg, precipitating damage and pain. Matt Fitzgerald, Outside Online, 20 Sep. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maladaptation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maladaptation was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near maladaptation

Cite this Entry

“Maladaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maladaptation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

maladaptation

noun
mal·​ad·​ap·​ta·​tion ˌmal-ˌad-ˌap-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce maladaptation (audio)
: poor or inadequate adaptation
psychological maladaptation
maladaptive adjective
maladaptively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maladaptation

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