Misbegotten: meaning, definitions and examples

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misbegotten

 

[ ˌmɪsˈbɪɡətn ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

general use

The term 'misbegotten' refers to something that is poorly conceived or ill-fated. It often describes ideas, actions, or individuals that have originated from flawed intentions or circumstances. This term implies that the outcome is undesirable due to the initial errors that led to it. It can also suggest a moral or social failing, particularly when referring to a person or child born under unfortunate conditions.

Synonyms

ill-conceived, ill-fated, unfortunate, wrongly addressed

Examples of usage

  • He made a misbegotten attempt at reconciling.
  • The misbegotten project cost the company millions.
  • She referred to his argument as misbegotten.
  • They were the children of misbegotten dreams.

Translations

Translations of the word "misbegotten" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maldito

🇮🇳 बिगड़ा हुआ

🇩🇪 missratene

🇮🇩 buruk

🇺🇦 нещасний

🇵🇱 nieszczęsny

🇯🇵 不幸な

🇫🇷 malheureux

🇪🇸 desafortunado

🇹🇷 şanssız

🇰🇷 불행한

🇸🇦 محروم

🇨🇿 nešťastný

🇸🇰 nešťastný

🇨🇳 不幸的

🇸🇮 nesrečen

🇮🇸 óheppinn

🇰🇿 бақытсыз

🇬🇪 უკვდავი

🇦🇿 bəxtsiz

🇲🇽 desafortunado

Etymology

The word 'misbegotten' originates from the Middle English term 'misbegoten,' which combines 'mis-' meaning 'badly' or 'wrongly' and 'begoten,' the past participle of 'beget,' meaning 'to bring about' or 'to father.' The prefix 'mis-' has been used in English since the Old English period to denote error or incorrectness. The word’s usage dates back to at least the 15th century and has evolved to encapsulate not only the idea of illegitimacy in birth but also a broader application towards concepts and decisions viewed as misguided or resulting from error. Through literature and social commentaries, 'misbegotten' has taken a stark tone in describing not just individuals but also endeavors perceived to be flawed in inception.