maladaptation
/ˌmælædæpˈteɪʃən/
noun
- A change in behavior, structure, or process that is harmful or poorly suited to the environment or situation.
- His tendency to avoid all social contact became a maladaptation that hurt his career.
- The animal's thick fur was a maladaptation in the hot desert climate.
- The company's rigid old policies were a maladaptation to the fast-changing market.
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