misuse

//ˌmɪsˈjuːz//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of misuse

Noun

misuseSingular
misusesPlural
1

The wrong or improper use of something.

The misuse of company funds led to serious consequences.

2

The illegal or harmful use of something, especially drugs or funds.

The investigation revealed a serious misuse of company funds.

Verb

misuseInfinitive
misusePresent tense
misusedPast tense
misusedPast participle
misusingPresent participle
misusesThird-person singular
1

To use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose.

He misused the tool and broke it.

2

To treat someone or something badly or unfairly.

The manager was accused of misusing his employees by making them work overtime without pay.