WordGarden.iomisuse
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /mɪsˈjus/
Meanings
Verb
to use something wrongly or for the wrong purpose
Noun
wrong or harmful use of something
Beyond the definition
To misuse something means to use it in the wrong way, carelessly, or for a purpose it was not meant for. You might misuse a tool if you try to fix something with the wrong instrument, or misuse your time by scrolling through social media when you have important work to do. It usually means the thing is not being used as it should be, and that can lead to harm, waste, or poor results. A powerful weapon, if misused, can cause great harm, while a privilege that is misused can be taken away.
Imagine a beautiful antique vase. It's meant for displaying flowers and adding elegance to a room. But what if someone uses it as a hammer? That's misuse - taking something designed for one purpose and applying it to another in a way that is inappropriate or damaging.
"Misuse" isn't always about physical objects. You can misuse information by spreading rumors, misuse power by bullying others, or misuse trust by betraying a friend. It suggests a failure to understand or respect the proper function of something - whether it's an object, a concept, or a relationship.
The context often implies negative consequences. A company might be accused of misusing funds if they spend money on lavish parties instead of investing in their employees. Someone could misuse antibiotics, leading to antibiotic resistance. A politician might misuse their authority for personal gain.
While sometimes it's a simple mistake - accidentally using the wrong setting on an appliance - misuse often carries a connotation of carelessness, negligence, or even deliberate wrongdoing. It's about going beyond simply using something and moving into territory where that use is harmful, ineffective, or unethical. So, when you hear "misuse," think about things being used in ways they weren't meant to be, with potentially negative results.
Examples
- 1
Safety warning
If you misuse this tool, you could hurt yourself.
- 2
Workplace misconduct
He was fired for misusing the company credit card.
- 3
Digital identity
Her photo was misused on several fake social media accounts.
- 4
Farming
The report warned about the misuse of antibiotics in farming.
- Patternthe misuse of + thing
the wrong or harmful use of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public spending
Critics called the project a misuse of public money.
See also
Similar
- improper use
- abuse
- misapplication
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- proper use
- intended use
Used with (collocations)
- misuse of power
- misuse of funds
- misuse of data
- drug misuse
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- misusenounverb
Forms
- misusedpast tenseverbnoun
- misusing-ing formverbnoun
- misusespluralnounverb