PsychologyJuly 4, 2026
maladjustment
/ˌmæləˈdʒʌstmənt/
Definition
The failure to cope effectively or adapt to the demands and challenges of one's environment or social situation.
Etymology
The word is formed from the prefix 'mal-' (meaning 'bad' or 'poorly') and the noun 'adjustment.' It arrived in English in the late 19th century as a psychological term to describe a state of poor adaptation to one's surroundings.
In the news
In the article, counseling psychologists are described as working to alleviate distress and maladjustment in their clients. This highlights the profession's goal of helping individuals who are struggling to successfully navigate personal or interpersonal difficulties.
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Read the full article ↗University of North Dakota (UND)