maladaptation

noun

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

Examples of maladaptation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maladaptation was in 1877

Rhymes for maladaptation

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Browse Nearby Words

malacostracan
maladaptation
maladapted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maladaptation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maladaptation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
ˌmal-ə-ˈdap-tiv How to pronounce maladaptation (audio)
adjective
maladaptively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maladaptation

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