misuse

1 of 2

verb

mis·​use ˌmis-ˈyüz 

misused; misusing; misuses

transitive verb

1

: to use incorrectly : misapply

misused his talents

a word that is frequently misused

was charged withmisusing company funds

2

: abuse, mistreat

… their prisoner had the heavy task of receiving their insolence as wit, answering their insults with good-humour, and withholding from them the opportunity which they sought of engaging him in a quarrel, that they might have a pretence for misusing him.

—Sir Walter Scott

misuser noun

plural misusers

misuse

2 of 2

noun

mis·​use ˌmis-ˈyüs 

: incorrect or improper use : misapplication

the misuse of words

a misuse of power

Synonyms of misuse

Verb

• abuse

Noun

• abuse

Examples of misuse in a Sentence

Verb

She's charged with misusing company funds.

a word that is frequently misused

Noun

No refunds will be offered on products damaged by misuse.

the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Many are concerned that there is insufficient understanding of how to ensure it cannot be misused by bad actors or nudged to go rogue. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

In Texas, drivers who incorrectly enter, exit or misuse an HOV lane could be fined no more than $100. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026

Noun

Depression and alcohol misuse screenings are covered once a year at no cost as part of a primary care visit. —Allison Palmer march 3, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

More recently, Massachusetts uncovered a $12 million public benefits fraud case involving misuse of assistance funds. —Timothy M. Herbst, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, partly from mis- + usen to use; partly from Middle French mesuser to abuse, from Old French, from mes- + user to use

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misuse

• accrues
• accuse
• aircrews
• amuse
• bamboos
• breakthroughs
• canoes
• cashews
• chartreuse
• confuse
• construes
• defuse

Kids Definition

misuse

1 of 2 verb

mis·​use mish-ˈüz 

(ˈ)mish-ˈyüz, 

(ˈ)mis-ˈyüz

1

: to use incorrectly : misapply

2

: abuse entry 1 sense 2, mistreat

misusage

-ˈ(y)ü-sij, 

-zij

noun

misuse

2 of 2 noun

mis·​use mish-ˈüs 

(ˈ)mish-ˈyüs, 

(ˈ)mis-ˈyüs

: incorrect or improper use