# misdirected

/mɪsdɪˈɹɛktɪd/ (US) · /mɪsdaɪɹˈɛktɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/misdirected
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

sent to the wrong place or aimed at the wrong person or thing. You use it for mail that goes to the wrong address or feelings like anger that land on the wrong person.

For teachers: directed to the wrong destination, person, or object; guided by a mistaken aim or understanding. Often describes mail, efforts, or emotions such as anger or criticism that miss their proper target.

## Examples

- I get his misdirected mail every week.
- The office keeps receiving misdirected packages meant for the shop next door.
- Much of the public outrage after the outage was misdirected, aimed at junior staff rather than the faulty systems that had failed for months.

## Synonyms

misplaced, misaddressed

## Usage notes

- Often placed before nouns such as anger, criticism, or mail; also used after be.

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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.