Word
misuse
Phoneticsmis·use, stress on the second syllable
/mɪsˈjus/
Definitions
01wrong use
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of using something in a way that is wrong, illegal, or not intended.
n. the incorrect, improper, or unlawful use of a resource, power, or object.
“The misuse of company funds led to a serious investigation by the police.”
“The report highlighted the widespread misuse of public data, suggesting that current privacy laws were insufficient to protect citizens.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to use incorrectly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose.
v. to apply or utilise something in an incorrect or inappropriate manner.
“If you misuse the equipment, it might break and cause an accident.”
“The researcher was accused of misusing the statistical data to support a conclusion that the evidence did not actually justify.”
Synonyms
03to mistreat
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to treat a person or an animal in a cruel or unfair way.
v. to treat someone or something with cruelty or lack of care; to abuse.
Español:abusar
“The king was known to misuse his servants, making them work long hours without food.”
“Historical accounts suggest the governor frequently misused his subordinates, subjecting them to harsh conditions and arbitrary punishments.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'mistreat' or 'abuse' is much more common for people; 'misuse' is usually reserved for objects or systems.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Alcohol misuse is one of the top public health challenges in the United States.” “The goal is not to catch every possible misuse of AI.” Etymology
From mis- + use (noun).
From mis- + use (verb).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/misuse
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0