# maladaptive

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˌmæləˈdæptɪv/ · frequency rank #65,284

## Definitions
1. Of behavior, showing inadequate or counterproductive mental and behavioral adaptation to a new situation.
2. Of anatomy, physiology, or behavior, showing inadequate or counterproductive evolutionary adaptation to an environment or its changes.

## Etymology
From mal- + adaptive.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/maladaptive