misuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the incorrect or improper use of something. Example: "The misuse of the software led to several errors in the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

APY's chairman, Bernard Singer, labelled the legislation "draconian" and said there was no evidence of poor governance or fund misuse at the APY.

The Guardian

Instead, it was attempting to assuage concerns about the misuse of genetic information, hoping it would make people more comfortable participating in genetic research and taking advantage of genetic medicine, often cited as the next frontier in healthcare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Figures show that poverty is having serious effects on pupils' attainment rates in schools, and Wales has the highest death rates for drug misuse in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet ministers are being urged on by Boris Johnson, who is irritated by flea-bite militancy in London's transport system – the impact of which diminishes with every misuse of Tube drivers' power.

The Guardian

Cranhill has a child poverty rate of 44% and an alcohol misuse rate which is 120% above the national average, while its income deprivation rate runs at 30%.

The Guardian

That kind of misuse of the emergency services has become a huge issue.

The Guardian

"The over- and misuse of antibiotics has been identified as a significant contributor to the emergence of resistant bacteria," Ley said.

The Guardian

Austerity policies and the coalition's failure to tackle obesity and alcohol misuse has damaged the nation's health and cost lives, a group of senior doctors have warned.

The Guardian

Important issues Mark Thompson, the BBC director general, argues that EastEnders embodies the values of the modern public service BBC, describing it as "a central part of national life" that is "fantastic entertainment" and has "at the same time raised awareness and tackled many important issues – from HIV and Aids, mental health, domestic violence, drug misuse and many others".

The Guardian

Also, having a job was associated with a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption and a higher chance of recovery from alcohol misuse than being unemployed.

The Guardian

How much, if at all, should Eastwood concern himself with fans who misunderstand and misuse his work?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "misuse", clearly specify what is being misused and the negative consequences or implications of that misuse.

Common error

Avoid confusing "misuse", which means using something incorrectly, with "disuse", which means not using something at all. For example, it's "misuse of funds", not "disuse of funds", when money is spent inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The noun "misuse" functions as a descriptor of actions involving the incorrect, improper, or unlawful use of something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as shown in examples like "fund misuse" and "drug misuse".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "misuse" is a commonly used noun that refers to the incorrect, improper, or unlawful use of something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While "misuse" maintains a neutral tone, its application often carries implications of ethical concerns or negative consequences. Related terms like "improper use", "abuse", and "misapplication" offer nuanced alternatives. When writing about "misuse", it's crucial to specify the object being misused and the resulting implications to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Improper use

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the usage.

Abuse

Implies a more severe or harmful form of incorrect use.

Misapplication

Highlights the incorrect application of something.

Misemployment

Specifically refers to using something for the wrong purpose.

Mismanagement

Focuses on poor handling or administration.

Waste

Emphasizes the inefficient or unproductive use of resources.

Exploitation

Suggests using something unfairly or selfishly.

Perversion

Indicates a distortion or corruption of the original intent.

Mishandling

Highlights the clumsiness or lack of care in use.

Inappropriate application

Emphasizes the unsuitability of the usage.

FAQs

How can I use "misuse" in a sentence?

You can use "misuse" to describe the incorrect or improper use of something. For example, "The "misuse of power" led to widespread corruption."

What are some synonyms for "misuse"?

Synonyms for "misuse" include "abuse", "improper use", and "misapplication". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "misuse" and "abuse"?

"Misuse" generally refers to using something incorrectly, while "abuse" implies a more harmful or exploitative form of incorrect use. Abuse often involves causing harm or damage.

Is it correct to say "misuse of resources"?

Yes, "misuse of resources" is a correct and common phrase used to describe the inefficient or inappropriate use of resources such as money, time, or materials.