maladaptationn.
/ˌmaladəpˈteɪʃn/, U.S. /ˈˌmælˌædəpˈteɪʃən/ Imperfect or abnormal adaptation; an instance of this.
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the world > life > biology > biological processes > evolution > [noun] > adaptation
speciality1835
adaptation1875
maladaptation1877
1877 W. K. Clifford Lect. (1879) II. 273 The silly maladaptations in organic nature are seen to be steps towards the improvement or discarding of imperfect organs.
1976 R. Mackarness Not all in Mind vii. 119 I believe that it and its associated obesity are both diseases of maladaptation to certain foods and chemicals.
1990 H. Lewis Question of Values ii. viii. 118 Maladaptations, such as immature or neurotic defense mechanisms.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2000; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1877