Maladaptive is an adjective that means not conducive to adaptation.

The root word of the our word of the day is ‘adapt,’ from the Latin word aptus,(AP toos) which means ‘to fit.’ The Latin prefix M-A-L means ‘bad’ or ‘badly’ as in malnourished or malpractice. In the case of maladaptive, it means not providing appropriate adjustment to the environment.

Our cat Tabby had a temperament that was maladaptive for those long camping trips. She was an indoor cat and she simply couldn’t adjust to the wilderness.