maladjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "maladjustment" is usable in written English and is well written.
It can be used to describe a failure to adjust properly to a particular environment or situation, often in a psychological context. Example: "The child's maladjustment to the new school environment was evident in his reluctance to participate in class activities." Alternatives include "dysfunction" or "inadaptability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

His worry about technological unemployment was mainly a worry about a "temporary phase of maladjustment" as society and the economy adjusted to ever greater levels of productivity.

The Economist

All forms of maladjustment share this constellation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Strindberg's main concern, however, is with the destructive effects of sexual maladjustment and psychic imbalance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fourth basic approach to the inflationary process is not entirely independent of some of those just discussed; its distinguishing feature is its emphasis on structural maladjustment in the economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Any given problem may involve all three categories; a physiological problem, for example, will produce psychological effects, and these may result in some social maladjustment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most problematic minority, in terms of street crime and other forms of maladjustment, is the Moroccans — many of them Moroccan Berbers originally from remote villages in the Rif Mountains.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Sexual development, however, is prone to troubling maladjustments preventing this outcome if the various stages are unsuccessfully negotiated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the 1980s private community organizations and the city administration had taken measures to arrest these trends and their attendant social maladjustments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Modern writers utilizing psychological approaches emphasize the significance of psychological maladjustments or complexes and of false, stereotyped images held by decision makers of other countries and their leaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As Max matures, his maladjustments are not far off the beaten track.

The New Yorker

Emotional maladjustments of children frequently are characterized by anxiety reactions.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "maladjustment", be specific about the context. Clarify whether it refers to social, emotional, or mechanical maladjustment to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "maladjustment" to a single cause without considering multiple contributing factors. Recognize that maladjustment is often a complex issue with various underlying reasons.

Linguistic Context

The noun "maladjustment" functions as a descriptor of a state or condition, indicating a poor or inadequate fit between an individual or entity and their environment. Ludwig examples show its use across social, psychological, and mechanical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "maladjustment" describes a poor or inadequate adaptation to a situation or environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While synonymous with terms like "inability to adjust" or "failure to adapt", specificity is key when using "maladjustment"; clarify the nature of the "maladjustment"—social, emotional, or mechanical—for better understanding. Avoid oversimplifying its causes, recognizing its complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to adjust

Focuses specifically on the lack of ability to adapt.

failure to adapt

Highlights the unsuccessful attempt to conform.

lack of adaptation

Emphasizes the absence of the adaptive process.

poor adaptation

Indicates that the adjustment is of low quality.

incompatibility

Suggests a fundamental mismatch or conflict.

lack of integration

Focuses on the failure to become part of a larger group or system.

dysfunctional behavior

Points to behavior that is not operating normally or as intended.

social awkwardness

Specifies discomfort or difficulty in social situations.

emotional instability

Highlights a lack of emotional balance and resilience.

behavioral problems

Describes a range of difficulties related to conduct and deportment.

FAQs

How can I use "maladjustment" in a sentence?

"Maladjustment" is typically used to describe a state of being poorly suited to a situation or environment. For example, "His "maladjustment" to the new school was evident in his withdrawn behavior."

What are some synonyms for "maladjustment"?

Alternatives to "maladjustment" include "inability to adjust", "failure to adapt", or "dysfunctional behavior", depending on the specific context.

Is "maladjustment" a formal or informal term?

"Maladjustment" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "maladjustment" and "adjustment disorder"?

"Maladjustment" is a general term for being poorly adjusted, while "adjustment disorder" is a specific clinical diagnosis involving significant emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor.