misplaced
- 01 B1 Intermediate
lost because you put it in the wrong place and cannot find it.
describing a physical object that has been put in an incorrect or forgotten location.
Simple“I spent twenty minutes looking for my misplaced car keys this morning.”
In context“The archivist eventually discovered the misplaced ledger tucked behind a stack of unrelated nineteenth-century correspondence.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to describe a feeling or idea that is directed at the wrong person or thing.
describing an emotion, attribute, or action that is directed toward an inappropriate object or person.
Simple“His trust in the dishonest salesman was unfortunately misplaced.”
In context“The manager's misplaced confidence in the junior developer led to a significant delay in the project's final deployment phase.”
UsageCommonly used with abstract nouns like 'trust', 'confidence', 'loyalty', or 'optimism'.
SynonymsAntonymswell placedjustified - 03 C1 Advanced
feeling like you do not belong in a certain place or situation.
experiencing a sense of being out of place or socially uncomfortable in one's current environment.
Simple“She felt misplaced at the fancy party where she didn't know anyone.”
In context“As a quiet scholar in a room full of aggressive politicians, he felt deeply misplaced and struggled to find common ground for conversation.”
Synonymsuncomfortableout of placeAntonyms
“After that, every misplaced pass, heavy touch or missed chance can seem like proof that something is off.”