maladaptation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maladaptation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing behaviors, traits, or responses that are not well-suited to a particular environment or situation, often leading to negative outcomes. Example: "The species' maladaptation to the changing climate resulted in a significant decline in its population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's more like maladaptation than P.T.S.D. The narrator of the story grew up in a "shabby little city" in the Rust Belt and escaped to rural Montana — which was also, in part, your own trajectory.

The New Yorker

His maladaptation to fame was further compounded by a recent interview in which Lil Wayne claimed to have never experienced racism, adding that the Black Lives Matter movement was a "wave [that] just went right by me".

The Guardian - Music

In Charles Dickens's "Little Dorrit," a shrewd entrepreneur constantly condescends to his inventor friend by stressing what it pleases him to see as his friend's pathetically impractical maladaptation to life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Bowen has produced a mapping of the adaptations – and maladaptations – that various forms of institutional Islam have made to British society, and their continuing closeness to the societies and histories from which the original immigrants came.

The Guardian - Opinion

If so, this primordial instinct joins a lengthening list of maladaptations to modern life.

The Economist

Go ahead and snicker, although by last Saturday's opening of the Expo 2010 in Shanghai, drawing more than 70 million visitors over its six-month run, these and other uniquely Chinese maladaptations of the English language were supposed to have been largely excised.

The New York Times

[Mach 1910: 30-31] Dinturbancenvironmentsnments cause maladaptations; progressive adaptation only has meaning in reference to that which is stable.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary biology or psychology, use "maladaptation" to describe traits that were once adaptive but are now harmful.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "maladaptation", which refers to a trait's poor fit with the environment, with "maladjustment", which describes an individual's inability to cope with social or personal pressures.

Linguistic Context

The noun "maladaptation" functions to describe a state or condition where an organism or system is poorly adapted to its environment. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from psychological responses to societal changes, describing a mismatch between an entity and its surroundings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maladaptation" is a noun that refers to the state of being poorly adapted to an environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The term is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts, carrying a formal and scientific register. To avoid common errors, distinguish "maladaptation" (a poor fit with the environment) from "maladjustment" (an individual's coping difficulties). Use "maladaptation" when describing traits or behaviors that are no longer beneficial due to environmental changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor adjustment

Focuses on the act of adjusting inadequately to new conditions.

inadequate adaptation

Emphasizes the insufficient nature of the adaptation process.

lack of fitness

Highlights the absence of suitability for a specific environment or situation.

inappropriate adjustment

Suggests that the adaptation is not only insufficient but also unsuitable.

failure to adapt

Directly states the unsuccessful nature of the adaptation.

unsuitability

Indicates a general lack of appropriateness for a given purpose or environment.

dysfunctional adaptation

Highlights the impaired or abnormal nature of the adaptation process.

ineffective coping

Focuses on the inability to deal effectively with challenges or stressors.

deficient adjustment

Emphasizes the incompleteness or inadequacy of the adjustment process.

impaired adaptation

Suggests that the adaptive capacity is weakened or diminished.

FAQs

How to use "maladaptation" in a sentence?

You can use "maladaptation" to describe instances where a trait or behavior is poorly suited to its environment. For instance, "The species' "maladaptation" to the changing climate resulted in a population decline."

What is the difference between "maladaptation" and "maladjustment"?

"Maladaptation" refers to a trait or feature that is poorly suited to its environment, while "maladjustment" describes an individual's inability to cope with the demands of their environment or social situations. They address different subjects of analysis: evolutionary traits versus an individual's coping abilities.

What are some synonyms for "maladaptation"?

Some synonyms for "maladaptation" include "poor adjustment", "inadequate adaptation", and "lack of fitness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what fields is the term "maladaptation" commonly used?

The term "maladaptation" is commonly used in evolutionary biology, psychology, and sociology to describe traits, behaviors, or systems that are poorly suited to their environment or context.