misguided
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes an idea or plan that is wrong because it was not thought through properly.
characterised by poor judgment or a lack of foresight; often used to describe plans or policies that are ill-conceived.
Simple“The company's misguided attempt to save money actually cost them more in the long run.”
In context“The government's misguided policy on urban development ignored the immediate needs of the local community in favour of aesthetic appeal.”
UsageOften used to describe abstract nouns like 'attempt', 'effort', 'policy', or 'notion'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
describes a person who is mistaken or has been led to believe something that is not true.
having or showing faulty judgment or reasoning; misled by incorrect information or bad advice.
Simple“He was misguided in thinking that he could finish the project without any help.”
In context“Though his intentions were noble, he was misguided in his belief that a single speech could resolve decades of social conflict.”
UsageFrequently follows the verb 'to be' and is often followed by 'in' plus a gerund or 'to' plus an infinitive.
Teacher's tipTeachers should note that this word often implies the person had good intentions but simply made a mistake in their reasoning.
“To those who wish to protect me by denying me the choice to use my body to help my friends, your concern is misguided.”