mischaracterization

noun

mis·​char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌmis-ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌka-rik-

plural mischaracterizations

: the act or an instance of characterizing someone or something wrongly

It is impossible to catalog here the leaps of logic, mischaracterizations, and outright errors that permeate their book …

—Dmitri Tymoczko

Examples of mischaracterization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But more than 26 years later, these mischaracterizations endured, becoming foundational lore for young people who want to follow in the killers’ footsteps. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025

That is a mischaracterization of facts put forth by the Sheriff's Department to help ease their own culpability. —Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 May 2025

This is due in part to the mischaracterization of such approaches as ‘conversion therapy,’ the report said. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 1 May 2025

Rather than accepting the intentional mischaracterization, our leaders should insist on folks using the actual words (diversity, equity and inclusion) and demand answers. —Jameelah Nasheed, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mischaracterization

• americanization
• anticoagulation
• antidiscrimination
• bioaccumulation
• bioremediation
• compartmentalization
• contextualization
• copolymerization
• decriminalization
• dehumidification
• demilitarization
• demineralization