maladjusted

USAGE SUMMARY

'maladjusted' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used to describe a person who fails to adapt or function effectively in a particular social or cultural environment due to psychological or emotional difficulties. Example: The new student struggled to fit in and make friends, displaying signs of being maladjusted to the school's strict academic and social expectations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Implementing tough, law-and-order approaches that revolved around curfews and bans, would send a message to would-be jihadists that they were more than "maladjusted teenagers", Malet said.

The Guardian

THE love interest in Spike Jonze's new science fiction-tinged comedy drama, "Her", is typical Hollywood: a perky hybrid of nursemaid, personal assistant and sex worker, someone who exists solely to motivate her socially maladjusted boyfriend.

The Economist

He was recklessly activist ("creatively maladjusted", King called it), and though he dabbled in representative politics, serving in the Georgia state legislature and on the Atlanta City Council, he was too much of a firebrand to fit easily into off-street politics.

The Economist

Conventional wisdom says that only children are lonely, maladjusted and selfish, and that first-born children are bossy overachievers.

The Economist

In view of all these factors working against a healthy, rational attitude toward sex and in view of the inevitable disappointments, exploitations, and rejections that are involved in human relationships, one might wonder how anyone could reach adulthood without being seriously maladjusted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This provides psychiatric guidance to maladjusted children usually through the cooperative work of a child psychiatrist, educational psychologist, and schoolteacher.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Selye proposed that if the stressor is not quickly defeated during this last stage, the individual can become withdrawn, maladjusted, and even die.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His theme was sensual love, which he studied mainly in the maladjusted married couple.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Persons do not fall into sharply separated types, such as bright and dull, maladjusted and normal, introvert and extravert.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his psychopathic isolation he presents all the features of the divided mind of the maladjusted as they have been analyzed in the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These albums, and the less impressive Southpaw Grammar (1995) and Maladjusted (1997), testified to a growing homoerotic obsession with criminals, skinheads, and boxers, a change paralleled by a shift in the singer's image from wilting wallflower to would-be thug sporting sideburns and gold bracelets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "maladjusted" as a general insult; instead, focus on specific behaviors or difficulties the person is experiencing.

Common error

Be cautious of labeling someone as "maladjusted" without understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior. Look for specific stressors or conditions contributing to their difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maladjusted" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing a state of being poorly adjusted to one's environment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where "maladjusted" precedes nouns like "teenagers", "children", and "operatives".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "maladjusted" functions as an adjective used to describe someone who is poorly adjusted to their environment. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "maladjusted", it's important to consider the specific context and choose synonyms carefully to avoid overgeneralization or stigmatization. While the term itself isn't inherently negative, it's best to use it thoughtfully and with sensitivity. The term frequency is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly adjusted

Focuses on the deficient quality of the adjustment.

unwell-adjusted

Direct synonym, emphasizes the lack of proper adjustment.

unable to cope

Emphasizes the incapacity to deal with stress or demands.

socially inept

Highlights a lack of social skills and understanding.

not fitting in

Simple way to describe social exclusion and lack of adjustment.

dysfunctional

Describes an inability to function normally or healthily.

disturbed

Highlights psychological or emotional problems.

unbalanced

Focuses on the lack of mental or emotional equilibrium.

unsettled

Focuses on a lack of stability or peace of mind.

out of sync

Implies a lack of harmony or alignment with others or the environment.

FAQs

How can "maladjusted" be used in a sentence?

You can use "maladjusted" to describe someone who struggles to adapt to their environment. For example: "The student was considered "socially maladjusted" and had difficulty making friends."

What is an alternative word for "maladjusted"?

Alternatives include "poorly adjusted", "socially inept", or "unable to cope", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "maladjusted"?

While technically correct, consider the potential negative impact of labeling someone as "maladjusted". It's often better to describe specific behaviors or challenges they face, rather than using the broad term.

What causes someone to become "maladjusted"?

Maladjustment can stem from various factors, including "social isolation", trauma, mental health issues, or difficulty adapting to new environments.