misuse
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
To use something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose.
To treat someone or something badly or unfairly, or the act of such incorrect or improper use.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word strongly implies a deviation from a proper, intended, or ethical standard of use. It often carries a negative moral judgement, especially when referring to power, trust, or resources.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In American English, 'abuse' is sometimes more common in everyday contexts (e.g., 'drug abuse'), while 'misuse' might be preferred in more technical or formal registers.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties. In legal/administrative contexts, 'misuse' can sound less emotionally charged than 'abuse' while still denoting wrongdoing.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English in contexts like 'misuse of public funds'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
misuse somethingmisuse something as somethingmisuse something for somethingbe misusedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tool is only as good as its user, and is useless if misused.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the improper use of company resources, data, or position (e.g., 'misuse of corporate credit cards').
Academic
Common in social sciences and law to discuss the improper application of theories, statistics, or legal powers.
Everyday
Often used regarding prescription drugs, alcohol, or social media.
Technical
Used in IT/security for 'misuse of credentials' or 'system misuse'; in engineering for 'misuse of equipment'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was accused of misusing taxpayer money.
- It is illegal to misuse a disabled parking permit.
- The software licence forbids you to misuse the data.
American English
- The attorney general misused his authority in that case.
- The report found the funds had been misused.
- Misusing prescription medication is a growing problem.
adjective
British English
- A misused privilege is quickly revoked.
- The misused equipment showed signs of premature wear.
American English
- Misused trust is hard to regain.
- The investigation focused on misused campaign donations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Do not misuse the scissors; they are only for cutting paper.
- The misuse of fire can be dangerous.
- He lost his job for misusing the company car.
- The misuse of social media can lead to problems.
- The inquiry uncovered a systematic misuse of public funds.
- Many antibiotics become ineffective due to their misuse.
- The novelist was criticised for the cynical misuse of historical facts to serve her narrative.
- The statute was designed to criminalise the knowing misuse of insider information.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MIS + USE = a 'miss' in use; you missed the correct way to use it.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECT USE IS A PATH / MISUSE IS STRAYING FROM THE PATH. RESOURCES ARE TOOLS / MISUSE IS BREAKING THE TOOL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'плохо использовать' (badly use) for formal contexts; 'злоупотреблять' or 'неправильно использовать' are closer. 'Misuse' as a noun is 'неправильное использование' or 'злоупотребление', not 'мисуз'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'misuse' (v/n) with 'disuse' (state of not being used). Incorrect stress: saying 'MIS-use' for the verb (should be 'mis-USE'). Using 'misusage' (archaic) instead of 'misuse'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'misuse' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Misuse' generally means using something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose. 'Abuse' is stronger, implying cruelty, violence, or severe harm (e.g., 'child abuse', 'substance abuse'). 'Misuse' can sometimes be unintentional, while 'abuse' is typically deliberate and wrongful.
The verb is pronounced with stress on the second syllable: /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/. The noun is pronounced with stress on the first syllable in some contexts, but standard dictionaries (OED, Cambridge) show primary stress on the second syllable for both, with a secondary on the first: /ˌmɪsˈjuːs/.
Yes, it can mean to treat someone badly or unfairly, often in the context of exploiting their trust or position. Example: 'The leader misused the loyalty of his followers.'
It is an archaic or very rare synonym for 'misuse' (noun). In modern English, 'misuse' is the standard and preferred form for both noun and verb. Using 'misusage' may sound odd or affected.
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