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

For example, under financial constraints, university administrators may be inclined to overlook glaring value misalignments between their public mission and the commercial objectives of AI firms. —Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025

The most common misalignments are scapular winging, in which the shoulder blades stick out from your back like wings, and forward tilting, where the shoulders round forward. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025

Since windows are already installed when seat configurations are established, they can’t be adjusted, and misalignments happen. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025

DeepMind also cited new misalignment risks stemming from a model’s potential for undirected action at higher capability levels. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misalignment

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