desadaptarse
become maladjusted
Definition & meaning
Desadaptarse means to fail to adapt, to become unable to adjust, or to become maladjusted to a situation, environment, or change.
It can describe:
- A person who has difficulty adjusting to new circumstances: Le costó desadaptarse a la vida en la ciudad — “They had trouble adjusting to life in the city.”
- Someone or something that no longer fits or functions well in a changed environment.
Depending on context, it can also mean to lose the habits or skills needed to function in a familiar setting.
Grammar & Word origin
Desadaptarse is a pronominal verb: it uses a reflexive pronoun that changes according to the subject (me desadapto, te desadaptas, se desadapta). It is formed from des-—a prefix often expressing reversal or negation—plus adaptar () and the reflexive ending -se. The verb follows the regular pattern of -ar verbs.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- inadaptarse () — to become unable to adjust; very close in meaning.
- no acostumbrarse () — not to get used to something; emphasizes lack of familiarity rather than general maladjustment.
- desacomodarse () — to become unsettled or lose one’s accustomed place or arrangement.
Antonyms
- adaptarse () — to adjust successfully; the direct opposite.
- aclimatarse () — to become accustomed to a new climate or environment.
- acostumbrarse () — to get used to something, especially through repeated experience.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Algunos empleados pueden desadaptarse tras muchos cambios.verb
Some employees may become maladjusted after many changes.
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