# mismanagement

/mɪsˈmænɪdʒmənt/ (US) · /mɪsmˈænɪdʒmənt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mismanagement
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the act of running a business or a situation badly. It usually means someone in charge made poor decisions or was not organized.

For teachers: the process of managing something in an incompetent, inefficient, or dishonest manner. Often implies a failure of leadership or administrative oversight.

## Examples

- The company failed because of poor financial mismanagement.
- The local government faced heavy criticism for its mismanagement of the public transport budget last year.
- The report concluded that systemic mismanagement within the department led to a complete breakdown of communication during the crisis, ultimately resulting in significant financial losses.

## Usage notes

- Primarily uncountable when referring to the general concept; occasionally countable when referring to specific instances or cases.

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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.