maladaptive

/ˌmæl.əˈdæp.tɪv/

ineffective

The child's maladaptive behavior made it hard for him to make friends.

His behavior was counterproductive and hindered social connections.

technical

Not adapting well; showing poor adjustment to a situation.

Clinicians often label rigid coping strategies as maladaptive.

Therapists call inflexible coping methods ineffective.

Commonly used in clinical and research contexts to describe behaviors that hinder successful adaptation.

Collocations

maladaptive behaviorbehaviour that impedes effective adjustmentmaladaptive responsereaction that worsens a problem rather than solving it

English Dictionary