misconstruction

noun

mis·​con·​struc·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈstrək-shən 

plural misconstructions

1

: a wrong interpretation (as of words, intentions, or actions) : an act or instance of misconstruing something

a complete misconstruction of my words

2

: a bad or wrong construction

Catachresis … is a striking, even extreme, implied metaphor that often makes use of a grammatical misconstruction.

—Robert A. Harris

Synonyms

• misunderstanding
• misinterpretation

Examples of misconstruction in a Sentence

his misconstruction of the blueprints led to some costly and time-consuming repairs

Recent Examples on the Web

Counsel should try to foresee and prevent any misconstruction. —Joshua Stein, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Counsel should try to foresee and prevent any misconstruction. —Joshua Stein, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Ohanian used his misconstruction of employment figures as the basis for a wide-ranging critique of California economic policy, mostly citing how the high cost of living drives people out of the state. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024

This is a gross misconstruction of federal law. —Noah Feldman Bloomberg Opinion (tns), Star Tribune, 10 Sep. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misconstruction

• coproduction
• deconstruction
• introduction
• liposuction
• postproduction
• preconstruction
• preproduction
• reconstruction
• reproduction
• abduction
• adduction
• conduction

Kids Definition

misconstruction

noun

mis·​con·​struc·​tion

ˌmis-kən-ˈstrək-shən

: the act, the process, or an instance of misconstruing