misused
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //mɪsˈjuzd// UK //mɪsjˈuːzd// mis·used
adj. used in a way that is wrong, dishonest, or not what was intended. It describes something that people are not using correctly.
adj. used incorrectly, improperly, or for an unintended purpose. Often describes the application of power, funds, or linguistic terms.
The charity closed after reports of misused funds.
The politician faced heavy criticism after it was revealed that he had misused public office for personal gain.
While some linguistic shifts are natural, scholars argue that certain technical terms are so frequently misused in popular media that their original precision has been lost entirely.
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.