Maladaptation: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄

Add to dictionary

maladaptation

[ ˌmælˌædæpˈteɪʃən ]

^{Context #1}

psychology

A maladaptation refers to an ineffective or counterproductive response to a stressor or new situation. It can hinder an individual's ability to adjust and thrive in their environment.

Synonyms

dysfunction, maladjustment, malfunction

Examples of usage

The fear of social situations led to a maladaptation in his behavior, causing him to isolate himself from others.
Her perfectionism became a maladaptation when it prevented her from completing tasks on time.

^{Context #2}

biology

In biology, maladaptation refers to a trait or characteristic that reduces an organism's fitness for survival and reproduction in a given environment.

Synonyms

disadvantageous trait, unfavorable characteristic

Examples of usage

The loss of camouflage due to a change in habitat resulted in a maladaptation for the species.
The inability to digest a particular food source can be considered a maladaptation in some organisms.

Translations

Translations of the word "maladaptation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 má adaptação

🇮🇳 अनुपयुक्त अनुकूलन

🇩🇪 Fehlanpassung

🇮🇩 maladaptasi

🇺🇦 дезадаптація

🇵🇱 dezadaptacja

🇯🇵 不適応 (ふてきおう)

🇫🇷 mauvaise adaptation

🇪🇸 mala adaptación

🇹🇷 uyumsuzluk

🇰🇷 부적응 (bujeog-eung)

🇸🇦 سوء التكيف

🇨🇿 špatná adaptace

🇸🇰 maladaptácia

🇨🇳 不适应 (bù shì yìng)

🇸🇮 slaba prilagoditev

🇮🇸 slæm aðlögun

🇰🇿 нашар бейімделу

🇬🇪 მცდარი ადაპტაცია

🇦🇿 uyğunsuzluq

🇲🇽 mala adaptación

Word origin

The term 'maladaptation' originated from the combination of 'mal-' meaning bad or poorly and 'adaptation' referring to the process of adjusting to new conditions. It is commonly used in psychology and biology to describe ineffective responses to stressors or traits that reduce an organism's fitness. The concept highlights the importance of adaptability and evolution in various contexts.