noun
misuse
mihs-YOOS
noun
1
Incorrect, careless, or improper use of something.
"The report warned of the misuse of company funds."
verb
1
To use something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose.
"He was accused of misusing his position for personal gain."
"The medication can be dangerous if misused."
How to Use Misuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo use something the wrong way, or that wrongful use itself.
Common pairings
misuse of power
misuse funds
Word Forms
misused past tense, misust past tense, misuses plural, misuses singular
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The report warned of the _____ of company funds.
Etymology
From mis- ("wrongly") plus use.