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Misused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misused

[mɪsˈjuːz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in communication

To use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose.

Synonyms

abuse, exploit, misapply, mishandle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
abuse

Use in situations where there is intentional and severe misuse, often involving harm to people, animals, or systems. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • She suffered from emotional abuse at the hands of her partner
  • The politician abused his authority to silence his opponents
exploit

Use when referring to taking unfair advantage of something or someone, typically for personal benefit or gain. This word also has a negative connotation.

  • He exploited the loophole in the law to avoid paying taxes
  • Some companies exploit their workers by paying low wages
mishandle

Use when referring to someone managing or dealing with something badly or ineffectively.

  • The manager mishandled the customer complaint, making the situation worse
  • She mishandled the fragile vase and it broke
misapply

Use when something is applied incorrectly or inappropriately, especially in formal or technical contexts.

  • The scientist misapplied the formula, leading to incorrect results
  • Misapplying these regulations can result in significant legal issues

Examples of usage

  • He misused company funds for personal expenses.
  • She misused her authority to manipulate the situation.
  • The teacher warned the students not to misuse the school equipment.
  • Parents should educate their children on how not to misuse technology.
  • It's important not to misuse confidential information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Misused language can lead to misunderstandings in communication, showcasing how crucial word choice is.
  • People may misuse certain behaviors if they lack understanding of their consequences, indicating a gap in knowledge or intent.
  • Addiction is often described as a misuse of substances, where individuals repeatedly engage in harmful behavior.

Law

  • In legal contexts, 'misused' often refers to the inappropriate use of power, such as police authority or company resources.
  • Intellectual property can be misused by not following fair use policies, leading to legal consequences.
  • Misuse of funds is a common term in finance, indicating money that is not allocated for its intended purpose.

Education

  • Students might misuse tools or study methods, leading to ineffective learning strategies and poor outcomes.
  • In teaching, it's important to demonstrate proper use of resources to prevent misuse, promoting better educational practices.
  • Misused study time due to distractions can result in lower grades, highlighting the importance of focused learning.

Pop Culture

  • Films often showcase characters who misused their powers, leading to dramatic consequences and moral lessons.
  • Social media platforms can be misused by spreading misinformation, impacting public opinion and trust.
  • The phrase 'misused potential' is common in narratives about characters who have talent but fail to apply it correctly.

Origin of 'misused'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'mis-' comes from Old English and means 'wrongly' or 'badly.'
  • The word 'use' has roots in Latin 'uti,' which means 'to use or employ.'
  • Combining these parts creates a term that implies the wrong way of employing something.

The word 'misused' originated from the combination of the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'badly' or 'incorrectly' and the verb 'use'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. Over the years, 'misused' has been commonly used in various contexts to describe the improper or incorrect use of something.

See also: abuse, disuse, disused, misuse, overuse, peruse, reusableness, reuse, reusing, underuse, unusable, unused, usability, usable, usage, used, useful, usefully, usefulness, useless, uselessness, users, using, usual, utensil, utilize.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,162, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.