misemploy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “misemploy” mean?
To use something for the wrong purpose or in an incorrect manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To use something for the wrong purpose or in an incorrect manner.
To waste, misuse, or spend something (such as time, resources, or trust) inefficiently or inappropriately.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British formal or academic writing, but still very infrequent in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary spoken and written English; considered an archaic or highly formal synonym for 'misuse'.
Grammar
How to Use “misemploy” in a Sentence
[Subject] misemploy [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “misemploy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The charity was criticised for misemploying the donations intended for disaster relief.
- One should never misemploy a position of public trust for personal gain.
American English
- The report concluded the grant money had been misemployed on administrative overhead.
- He misemployed his considerable intellect on trivial pursuits.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in formal audits or reports: 'The inquiry found that the director had misemployed company assets.'
Academic
Used in historical, philosophical, or economic texts discussing resource allocation or ethical use.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical jargon; 'misuse' or 'malfunction' are preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “misemploy”
- Confusing with 'misuse' (more general). Thinking it relates to employment (hiring).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English. 'Misuse', 'waste', or 'squander' are far more common.
No. It has nothing to do with the act of hiring or firing. It means to use something incorrectly or wastefully.
Yes, it can be used for intangible things like time, talent, trust, or authority.
'Misuse' is general. 'Misemploy' specifically carries a stronger connotation of wastefulness or using something for a purpose it was not intended for, often in a formal context.
To use something for the wrong purpose or in an incorrect manner.
Misemploy is usually formal, literary in register.
Misemploy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsɪmˈplɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsɪmˈplɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms contain 'misemploy'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MIS + EMPLOY' - Like hiring someone for the wrong job (mis-employing them).
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCES ARE TOOLS: Using a tool for a task it wasn't designed for leads to poor results and waste.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'misemploy' most appropriately used?