misuse
/mɪsˈjuːs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: misuses · misusing · misused
Sense 1
Meaning · English
An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
Noun
Examples
The Queen may be celebrating her jubilee but the Queen's English Society, which has railed against the misuse and deterioration of the English language, is to fold.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To use (something) incorrectly.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “misuse” mean?
An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
Is “misuse” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.