misuse
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmɪsjuːs/
KK: /ˈmɪsˌjuːs/
noun
Definition
The act of using something in a wrong or improper way, often leading to negative consequences.
Example
The misuse of funds can lead to serious legal issues.
Conversation
I read an article about the misuse of social media.
Really? What did it say?
It talked about how some people distort information, which leads to confusion.
That's true; it's important to use social media responsibly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
abuse
misapplication
exploitation
Antonyms
proper use
correctness
application
transitive verb
Definition
To use something in a way that is wrong or harmful.
Example
He was accused of misusing company funds for personal expenses.
Tense Forms
Past: misused
Past Participle: misused
Conversation
I think some people really misuse social media these days.
Totally! It can be such a toxic space when that happens.
Yeah, it’s frustrating when people misuse it to spread negativity.
Root Explanation
Misuse → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "use" (from Old French *user*, meaning to employ or utilize). The word "misuse" means to employ something in a wrong or improper way.
Memory Tip
Think of using something 'wrongly' ('mis-') — that's why misuse means to use something in an improper manner.
Visually Confused Words
misset
missel
miscue
disuse
muse
miss
misperuse
mise