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

Growth exposes every weakness, magnifies every misalignment, and punishes a lack of discipline. —Andrea Hill, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

The data also reveals a misalignment in resource allocation. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025

Shanahan blamed the first sack on tight end Luke Farrell, then the next snap on a misalignment that allowed the defensive end to jump the snap, while Burford was expecting help on the third-down play. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2025

The employment-at-will doctrine, which applies in most states, allows employers to terminate employment for any nondiscriminatory reason, including cultural misalignment. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 22 July 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