Maladapt

Pronunciation: /ˈmæɫˈədæpt/

Maladapt (verb)

  1. To respond to a situation in a way that does not help you adapt, and instead makes things worse.
  2. To change or behave so that the result is not suitable for the environment or demands.
  3. To describe a biological feature that reduces survival or reproduction in a given environment.

Examples

  • Stress makes people maladapt in harmful coping ways.
  • When fear rises, you may maladapt through harmful coping.