Misemploy: meaning, definitions and examples

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misemploy

 

[ ˌmɪsɪmˈplɔɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

work

To employ (someone) in a job for which they are not suited or trained.

Synonyms

misapply, misassign, misuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misemploy

This word refers to using something in an ineffective or inappropriate manner. It often applies to resources, time, or skills when they are not used in the best possible way.

  • She misemployed her talents by taking on menial tasks.
  • The company misemployed its funds on unnecessary equipment.
misuse

This term generally carries a negative connotation and is often used when something is used wrongly or harmfully. It can refer to objects, substances, or power.

  • He was accused of misusing company funds.
  • The medication can be harmful if misused.
misapply

This term is used when rules, principles, or guidelines are used incorrectly. It can also refer to a situation where something is used in a way that does not fulfill its intended purpose.

  • The lawyer misapplied the law during the case.
  • He misapplied his efforts on tasks that did not contribute to the project's success.
misassign

This word is appropriate when someone is given the wrong task or role, or when resources are allocated incorrectly. It implies a mistake in assignment rather than usage.

  • The manager misassigned responsibilities, causing confusion among the team.
  • The budget was misassigned, leading to shortages in crucial areas.

Examples of usage

  • He was misemployed as a salesperson even though his skills were better suited for marketing.
  • The company misemployed several interns, giving them tasks unrelated to their field of study.

Translations

Translations of the word "misemploy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 usar mal

🇮🇳 गलत उपयोग करना

🇩🇪 missbrauchen

🇮🇩 menyalahgunakan

🇺🇦 неправильно використовувати

🇵🇱 nieprawidłowo używać

🇯🇵 誤用する

🇫🇷 mal employer

🇪🇸 usar incorrectamente

🇹🇷 yanlış kullanmak

🇰🇷 잘못 사용하다

🇸🇦 استخدام بشكل غير صحيح

🇨🇿 nesprávně použít

🇸🇰 nesprávne použiť

🇨🇳 误用

🇸🇮 napačno uporabiti

🇮🇸 misnota

🇰🇿 дұрыс пайдаланбау

🇬🇪 არასწორი გამოყენება

🇦🇿 səhv istifadə etmək

🇲🇽 usar incorrectamente

Etymology

The word 'misemploy' originated from the combination of 'mis-' (meaning wrongly or badly) and 'employ' (to make use of). It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Initially, it was primarily used in legal contexts to refer to the improper or illegal use of property or funds. Over time, its usage expanded to include the improper use of personnel in the workplace.

See also: employ, employed, employee, employees, employer, employing, employment, underemployment, unemployed, unemployment.