# abuseful

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abuseful
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

using something in a way that is wrong or harmful. It is an old word that people rarely use today.

For teachers: characterised by the improper or harmful use of something.

## Examples

- The old law was designed to prevent abuseful treatment of prisoners.
- Historians noted that the king's abuseful behavior toward his subjects eventually led to a rebellion.
- The legal team argued that the company's abuseful exploitation of its monopoly status had stifled competition and harmed the local economy for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.