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 with misusing 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

Though one senses her powers of persuasion are being misused at this corporate advertising agency. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

The simple firewall component both blocks attacks from outside the local network and prevents local programs from misusing their network connections. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Noun

In late August, Texas and Florida became the latest states to limit the use of Flock cameras, in response to growing concerns about their misuse by law enforcement. — Sparkle Rainey Tribune News Service, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

What readers are saying The comments reflect a debate over the use of Flock cameras, with concerns about privacy, unauthorized installations, and potential misuse by law enforcement. — Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 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