misusing JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈmɪs.juːz.ɪŋ/ · mis·u·sing

verb

To use something incorrectly. She was misusing the software by entering data in the wrong fields.
To abuse or mistreat something or someone. He was misusing his authority to intimidate employees.
To sexually abuse someone. The investigation revealed that the coach had been misusing his position to assault athletes.

Synonyms

abusing mishandling exploiting perverting distorting misapplying mistreating misemploying

Antonyms

using correctly employing properly handling properly respecting protecting

Did you know? The sexual‑abuse sense of 'misuse' only appeared in English in the early 20th century, long after the word's original meaning of 'using wrongly' was established.

Related terms

misuse abuse mishandle misapply mismanage malpractice

Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 17, 2026