maladjusted
|mal-a-djust-ed|
C1
/ˌmæl.əˈdʒʌs.tɪd/
poorly adapted
Etymology
Etymology Information
'maladjusted' originates from the prefix 'mal-' meaning 'bad' or 'poorly' and the word 'adjusted' from the Latin 'adjuxtare,' meaning 'to bring into proper position.'
Historical Evolution
'maladjusted' changed from the combination of 'mal-' and 'adjusted' in English, maintaining its meaning of being poorly adapted.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'poorly adapted or adjusted,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
poorly adjusted to one's environment or circumstances.
The maladjusted child struggled to fit in at school.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/03 08:01