Definition

Describing something that is wrongly conceived or has a bad origin, often referring to ideas or children born out of wedlock.

Example

The misbegotten plan failed to achieve its goals and caused more problems.

Conversation

Did you hear about that misbegotten project they started last year?

Yeah, it seemed like a bad idea from the beginning.

Right? I can't believe they thought it would actually work.

Sometimes, the best intentions lead to misbegotten plans.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misbegotten → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "begotten" (from Old English "begietan", meaning to get or obtain). The word "misbegotten" refers to something that has been wrongly obtained or conceived, often used to describe a child born out of wedlock.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'wrongly' ('mis-') 'obtained' or 'conceived' ('begotten') — that's why misbegotten refers to something that is wrongly conceived.

Visually Confused Words