misalignment

noun

mis·​align·​ment ˌmis-ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

plural misalignments

: the condition of being out of correct position or improperly adjusted : bad or incorrect alignment

Over time, because of damage and wear, typewriters develop faults and misalignments that render their typescript unique.

—Laney Salisbury et al.

… overuse injuries are all too often the consequence of poor technique or misalignment of body parts.

—Jane E. Brody

Examples of misalignment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And whether that misalignment can be addressed remains the central narrative of Hollywood in 2026. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 Feb. 2026

Even small misalignments between layers can compromise performance in electric machines, so accuracy was critical. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

Years of family misalignment or mistreatment aren’t going to go away overnight, and so some forms of contact might do more harm than good. —Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026

This is what economists frequently call an agency problem, a fundamental misalignment between duty and personal incentive. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misalignment

• nonalignment
• realignment
• reassignment
• reconsignment
• alignment
• alinement
• assignment
• confinement
• consignment
• refinement