noun ·5 syllables ·Moderate ·College level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   The misuse of something, incorrectly using (applying) something, a wrong application. countable, uncountable

   "Trying to open a paint can with a chisel is a misapplication of the tool."

2. 2
   the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to your care but actually owned by someone else wordnet
3. 3
   wrong use or application wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

embezzlementaberrancyaberrationabuseabuse of officeabuse of terms

Example

More examples

"Trying to open a paint can with a chisel is a misapplication of the tool."

Etymology

From mis- + application.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.