What does maladjustment mean?
Maladjustment denotes a failure to adapt effectively to circumstances, other people, or social expectations. It is most often used for emotional, behavioral, educational, or interpersonal difficulties, though it can also describe institutions or systems that are poorly suited to their environment. The term has a clinical and academic tone and is less common in casual conversation. For example, a child experiencing maladjustment after moving schools may need help adjusting to new peers and routines. The word can imply a continuing mismatch between someone and their surroundings rather than a temporary or minor difficulty. Because historical uses of labels such as “social maladjustment” were sometimes broad and stigmatizing, modern descriptions are generally more precise when identifying the particular difficulties involved.
nounMaladjustment is a state in which someone or something fails to adapt effectively to circumstances, relationships, or social expectations. It can refer to personal, emotional, behavioral, or institutional difficulties in adjustment.
- Failure to adapt effectively to personal, social, emotional, or environmental circumstances.
- A state or condition of being poorly adjusted to one's surroundings or relationships.
"The counselor worked with the family to address the child's maladjustment after the move."
"Her prolonged maladjustment to the new school led the counselor to arrange additional support."
"The report linked the department's maladjustment to rapid growth and inadequate training."
Used when referring to separate instances or forms of maladjustment.
"The program was designed to address the maladjustments experienced by students after relocation."
Maladjustment names the gap between being expected to fit in and actually managing to do so.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does maladjustment come from?
Maladjustment is formed in the 19th century by combining the prefix mal-, meaning “bad” or “abnormal,” with adjustment, a word derived from the Latin adjustare, meaning “to fit close to” or “to arrange.” The prefix mal- comes through Old French from Latin malus, meaning “bad.” The resulting noun developed in contexts describing inadequate personal, social, or institutional adaptation.
How maladjustment is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. In educational, clinical, and historical contexts, it may describe emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties; such uses can sound dated or labeling, so it is best used with care and specificity.
Easily confused with maladjustment
Maladjustment emphasizes difficulty adapting to people or circumstances, whereas mismanagement emphasizes ineffective organization or control of resources.
Maladjustment refers to a person's or institution's difficulty fitting in or adapting, while malfunction primarily refers to a device or system failing to operate correctly.