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misgovernment

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //mɪsˈɡʌvənmənt//

KK: /mɪsˈɡʌvərnmənt/

noun
Definition

The act or process of governing poorly or ineffectively, leading to negative outcomes for a society or organization.


Example

The country suffered from misgovernment, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction among its citizens.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the recent protests in the city?
Sloth B
Yeah, people are really upset about the misgovernment we’ve been seeing.
Sloth A
It's frustrating how things have gotten so bad lately.
Sloth B
Absolutely, we need to push for change and hold them accountable.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
maladministration
misrule
ineptitude
Antonyms
governance
administration
leadership
Root Explanation

Misgovernment → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "government" (from Old French *governer*, meaning to direct or control). The word refers to the act of governing in a wrong or bad manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'government' as the act of directing. This helps you remember that misgovernment means governing in a wrong way.

Visually Confused Words
government
malgovernment
semigovernmental
antigovernment
governmental
cogovernment
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