Definition

A situation where resources, especially money, are not distributed in the best way, leading to waste or inefficiency.

Example

The misallocation of funds led to several important projects being underfunded.

Conversation

Did you hear about the budget cuts at work?

Yeah, I think there's been a real misallocation of funds.

It's frustrating because the projects that need support are getting ignored.

Exactly! They really need to reevaluate their priorities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misallocation → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "allocation" (from Latin "allocare", meaning to assign or distribute). The word refers to the act of wrongly assigning or distributing resources or responsibilities.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'allocation' meaning to assign. This helps you remember that misallocation means assigning something incorrectly.

Visually Confused Words