misappropriation

American

[mis-uh-proh-pree-ey-shuhn] / ˌmɪs əˌproʊ priˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

wrongful use, especially the dishonest or inappropriate use of others’ money, data, etc..

He pled guilty to multiple counts of misappropriation of public funds and falsifying public documents, and received a four-year prison sentence.
Database owners are concerned about the possible commercial misappropriation of their products.

Etymology

Origin of misappropriation

mis- ¹ ( def. ) + appropriation ( def. )

Vocabulary lists containing misappropriation

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The accountant’s preliminary review cited evidence of misappropriation and potential embezzlement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Fischer said she believes that there is “way more” insider trading and misappropriation in these markets than law enforcement is able to catch.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Last month his wife Begoña Gómez was charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

The articles focus on misappropriation of public funds, unexplained assets, bribery of public officials, and an alleged death threat against Marcos and other family members.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Bobby was indignant and then irate when he heard about it, proclaiming the film a misappropriation of his name and, therefore, an invasion of his privacy.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023