maladaptive

IPA: mˈæɫʌdˈæptɪv

(psychology, chiefly of behaviour) Showing inadequate or counterproductive mental and behavioral adaptation to a new situation.
(evolution, of anatomy, physiology, or behavior) Showing inadequate or counterproductive evolutionary adaptation to an environment or its changes.

Examples of "maladaptive" in Sentences

And they say their study clearly suggests too much Internet use could be linked to "maladaptive" behaviors.
This kind of maladaptive feature would be hard to explain if we had been designed by an all-wise creator, but it is to be expected if structures change their functions in the course of evolution.
An article on Lesswrong. com attempts to tease apart the varying perspectives that lead to conflict over whether or not various behaviors should be classified as maladaptive, and whether medical intervention is a desirable means of solving problematic behavior.
Anecdotally we found no supporting evidence in the literature, some pain theorists view swearing as a sign of ‘pain-related catastrophising’, which may be defined as a maladaptive response in which negative and unhelpful thoughts and ideas are brought to bear when pain is experienced.
Anecdotally (we found no supporting evidence in the literature), some pain theorists view swearing as a sign of ‘pain-related catastrophising’, which may be defined as a maladaptive response in which negative and unhelpful thoughts and ideas are brought to bear when pain is experienced.