misregulate

Misregulate is a verb meaning to regulate something incorrectly or inappropriately; to apply or maintain rules in a way that fails to achieve intended objectives or that produces unintended consequences. The term is formed with the mis- prefix attached to regulate and is used across fields such as biology, policy, and engineering to describe failures or inappropriate application of regulatory mechanisms.

In biology and medicine, misregulation refers to abnormal control of biological processes, such as gene expression, metabolism, or immune signaling. Gene misregulation can contribute to developmental disorders, cancer, or metabolic diseases. In neuroscience, misregulation of neural signaling can affect plasticity and function.

In public policy and law, misregulation describes regulatory regimes that are poorly designed or implemented, generating inefficiencies, distortions, or regulatory capture. It can involve overly burdensome rules, ambiguous guidelines, or gaps in oversight that undermine intended protections.

In engineering and automated systems, misregulation or improper regulation can lead to instability, oscillations, or failure to track desired setpoints. Proper design aims to ensure robust regulation under variability and uncertainty.

Related terms include deregulation, overregulation, and underregulation. The word is often contrasted with regulate, regulation, and deregulation, and highlights the importance of correct regulatory design and enforcement.