misemploy

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmɪsɪmˈplɔɪ/

KK: /mɪsɪmˈplɔɪ/

verb

Definition

To use something in a wrong or improper way.

Example

He misemployed his time by not studying for the exam.

Tense Forms

Past: misemployed

Past Participle: misemployed

Conversation

I think some people really misemploy their skills in the wrong jobs.

That's true! It’s frustrating to see talent wasted like that.

Exactly! It's like they don't realize where they would shine the most.

Yeah, if only they could find the right fit for their abilities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

misuse

abuse

misapply

Antonyms

employ

utilize

apply

Root Explanation

Misemploy → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly) and "employ" (from Latin "implicare", meaning to involve or engage). The word "misemploy" means to engage or use something in a wrong or inappropriate manner.

Memory Tip

Think of using something 'wrongly' ('mis-') when you 'engage' it ('employ'). This helps you remember that misemploy means to use something in the wrong way.

Visually Confused Words

disemploy