Definitions for maladaptive
-əˈdæp tɪvmal·adap·tive

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. maladaptiveadjective

   showing faulty adaptation

WiktionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. maladaptiveadjective

   Showing inadequate or faulty adaptation to a new situation

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. maladaptive

   In evolution, a maladaptation () is a trait that is (or has become) more harmful than helpful, in contrast with an adaptation, which is more helpful than harmful. All organisms, from bacteria to humans, display maladaptive and adaptive traits. In animals (including humans), adaptive behaviors contrast with maladaptive ones. Like adaptation, maladaptation may be viewed as occurring over geological time, or within the lifetime of one individual or a group. It can also signify an adaptation that, whilst reasonable at the time, has become less and less suitable and more of a problem or hindrance in its own right, as time goes on. This is because it is possible for an adaptation to be poorly selected or become more of a dysfunction than a positive adaptation, over time. Note that the concept of maladaptation, as initially discussed in a late 19th-century context, is based on a flawed view of evolutionary theory. It was believed that an inherent tendency for an organism's adaptations to degenerate would translate into maladaptations and soon become crippling if not "weeded out" (see also eugenics). In reality, the advantages conferred by any one adaptation are rarely decisive for survival on its own, but rather balanced against other synergistic and antagonistic adaptations, which consequently cannot change without affecting others. In other words, it is usually impossible to gain an advantageous adaptation without incurring "maladaptations". Consider a seemingly trivial example: it is apparently extremely hard for an animal to evolve the ability to breathe well in air and in water. Better adapting to one means being less able to do the other.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. maladaptive

   Maladaptive refers to behaviors, traits, or patterns that are counterproductive or interfere with an individual's ability, directly or indirectly, to adjust, interact, or respond effectively to certain conditions or situations. These responses often lead to negative consequences or harm to the person's physical, social, or psychological wellbeing. Examples could include substance abuse, self-harm, or continuously engaging in poor decision-making.

How to pronounce maladaptive?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

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   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

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   Fred

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   Tessa

   South African

How to say maladaptive in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of maladaptive in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of maladaptive in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

Examples of maladaptive in a Sentence

1. Bernard Biermann:

   Adolescence is a time of tremendous stress and it seems like today’s teens have unusually high, often unreasonable, expectations for themselves, as a result, depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns are increasingly common as are maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-injury, eating disorders and other forms of unhealthy coping.

2. Stephen Peck:

   The problem is solvable, providing housing and jobs are part of it, but that’s the easiest part. It’s the maladaptive habits a person may have picked up to cope with trauma that are hardest to overcome.

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References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=maladaptive
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Maladaptive
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maladaptive
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com