Maladaptation

Pronunciation: /ˈmæɫˈˌædəpteɪʃən/

Maladaptation (noun)

  1. A change or response that seems helpful at first but later makes a person’s situation worse.
  2. In biology, a trait that helps in one setting but reduces survival or reproduction in another.

Examples

  • The plan was a bad adjustment to the new rules.
  • Her bad adjustment made the situation worse.