misuse
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //mɪsˈjus// mis·use
n. the wrong use of something. You misuse a word when you use it in the wrong way or for the wrong reason.
n. the incorrect or improper use of a word, object, or concept.
The misuse of this tool broke it.
The misuse of technical terms often confuses readers who are new to the subject.
The committee investigated the misuse of public funds, discovering that several projects had been funded without proper oversight or justification.
From mis- + use (noun).
From mis- + use (verb).