misapplication

noun

mis·​ap·​pli·​ca·​tion ˌmis-ˌa-plə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce misapplication (audio)
plural misapplications
1
: the act or an instance of applying something incorrectly or improperly
a misapplication of the law
herbicide misapplication
2
: the act or an instance of misusing or spending something (such as public money) without proper authority
… a bank president was convicted of misapplication after he programmed the bank's computer not to debit his personal checking account when it would otherwise have been overdrawn.Stanley S. Arkin

Examples of misapplication in a Sentence

this silly gossiping is a serious misapplication of your time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In March, Waldrop was arrested by Parker County Sheriff’s Office deputies on suspicion of theft and misapplication of funds. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2025 The technology continues to improve despite its drawbacks and misapplications, and major companies keep increasing their investments rather than pulling back. ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025 The suit is part of a history of antagonism between Gillett and the industry over adverse decisions that the utilities argue are based on misapplication of regulatory law. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025 Intimidation, the misapplication of power, is rampant at every level of government. Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misapplication

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misapplication was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Misapplication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misapplication. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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