maladminister

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌmæl.ədˈmɪn.ɪ.stər/

KK: /mælˈæd.mɪn.ɪ.stɚ/

transitive verb

Definition

To manage or handle something in a way that is ineffective or dishonest.

Example

The organization was criticized for its failure to properly maladminister the funds allocated for the project.

Tense Forms

Past: maladministered

Past Participle: maladministered

Conversation

Did you hear about the new manager at work?

Yeah, I heard they might maladminister the team.

It's concerning because we've had enough issues already.

Right? I hope they can turn it around instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

mismanage

misrule

bungle

Antonyms

administer

manage

govern

Root Explanation

Maladminister → It is formed from "mal-" (meaning bad or ill) and "administer" (from Latin "administrare", meaning to manage or direct). The word "maladminister" means to manage or direct something poorly or ineffectively.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mal-' meaning bad, and 'administer' meaning to manage. This helps you remember that maladminister refers to managing something in a bad way.

Visually Confused Words