misuse of power

USAGE SUMMARY

"misuse of power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime when you want to refer to someone (most commonly a person in a position of authority, such as a politician) using their power inappropriately or abusively. For example: "Recent events have highlighted the widespread misuse of power in this country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A film within a film about the misuse of power.

Columbia University

This was a disgraceful misuse of power against an open, democratic, peaceful and non-violent campaign.

The Guardian

The new government has also attacked the misuse of power head on.

The New York Times

Anwar is serving a six-year sentence for misuse of power.

The Guardian

Sarkozy is also officially under investigation as part of a corruption and misuse of power inquiry.

The Guardian

With proper checks and balances which can prevent the misuse of power.

The Guardian

The usual targets are increasing commercialism, the misuse of power and challenges to Indian culture.

The Economist

I've already written about the misuse of power and unhappy families and tyrannical fathers.

The New York Times - Books

Is that a misuse of power?" BS: "I think VIP security is an essential issue in India.

The Guardian

Such misuse of power creates the hothouse for abusive sexual behaviour to run riot, like a rampant weed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Issues range from victimisation and misuse of power to being deliberately undermined or blocked from career progression.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "misuse of power" to describe situations where authority is wielded in a way that deviates from established norms, ethical standards, or legal boundaries.

Common error

Don't accuse individuals or institutions of "misuse of power" without providing concrete evidence or examples. Unsupported allegations can undermine your credibility and lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "misuse of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the act of improperly or unethically using authority. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in describing various scenarios across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "misuse of power" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the improper or unethical application of authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, media, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, providing specific examples enhances clarity and credibility. Alternative phrases such as "abuse of authority" or "official misconduct" can be used depending on the nuance you aim to convey. Remember to avoid generalizations without evidence to maintain the accuracy and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abuse of authority

Focuses on the abuse aspect but more specifically targets authority.

power abuse

A slightly less common phrasing directly inverting the words

abuse of position

Emphasizes the abuse related to one's specific position or role.

corruption

A broader term that often involves misuse of power for personal gain.

malfeasance

Refers to wrongdoing, especially by a public official.

official misconduct

Specifically refers to improper behavior by someone in an official capacity.

breach of trust

Highlights the violation of trust associated with the improper use of power.

dereliction of duty

Focuses on the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities, often linked to misuse of power.

overreach

Suggests exceeding the limits of one's authority or power.

unethical conduct

A broad term encompassing actions that violate ethical standards, including misuse of power.

FAQs

How to use "misuse of power" in a sentence?

You can use "misuse of power" to describe instances where someone in authority uses their position inappropriately, as in "The investigation revealed a significant "abuse of authority" and "official misconduct"".

What can I say instead of "misuse of power"?

Alternatives include "abuse of authority", "corruption", or "official misconduct", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "misuse of power" a formal or informal phrase?

"Misuse of power" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in formal settings like news reports, academic papers, and legal documents. In informal settings, phrases like "power abuse" might be used.

What are some examples of "misuse of power"?

Examples of "misuse of power" include a police officer using excessive force, a politician accepting bribes, or a company exploiting its market dominance to stifle competition. In general you can find many examples in "abuse of authority" cases.