maladaptive

[ mal-uh-dap-tiv ]
/ ˌmæl əˈdæp tɪv /

adjective

of, relating to, or characterized by maladaptation or incomplete, inadequate, or faulty adaptation: The maladaptive behavior of isolated children was difficult to change.

Origin of maladaptive

First recorded in 1930–35; mal- + adaptive

Example sentences from the Web for maladaptive

British Dictionary definitions for maladaptive

maladaptive
/ (ˌmæləˈdæptɪv) /

adjective

unsuitably adapted or adapting poorly to (a situation, purpose, etc)
not encouraging adaptation

Derived forms of maladaptive

maladapted, adjective maladaptively, adverb