Mistreatment: meaning, definitions and examples

injustice

The act of treating someone in a cruel and unfair way, especially over a long period of time. Mistreatment can take many forms, such as physical abuse, emotional manipulation, or neglect.

abuse, cruelty, oppression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mistreatment	Mistreatment can be used in situations where someone is being treated unfairly or poorly without necessarily involving extreme harm. Her mistreatment at the workplace led her to seek a new job
abuse	Abuse refers to severe or repeated harmful behavior, often involving physical, emotional, or verbal harm. It is generally used in serious contexts. He faced years of emotional abuse from his partner
cruelty	Cruelty implies intentional harm or suffering inflicted on someone or something, often involving a lack of empathy or compassion. Acts of cruelty towards animals are punishable by law
oppression	Oppression refers to systematic and prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control, often involving a group of people or a community. The fight against racial oppression continues to be a major social issue

Examples of usage

• He suffered years of mistreatment at the hands of his captors.

• She finally spoke out against the mistreatment she had endured in the workplace.

• The mistreatment of animals in the circus industry is a growing concern.

• The mistreatment of refugees at the border is a violation of human rights.

• Children should be protected from any form of mistreatment.