Synonyms

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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.

“This was high jinks with intent to goof. Misappropriation of an old ‘Conan’ bit.

From Washington Post • Jun. 21, 2022

"This was high jinks with intent to goof. Misappropriation of an old 'Conan' bit. It's really Conan's fault."

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2022

"Misappropriation in planning and execution of water supply projects is another key factor. And projects often use inadequate sources, or pipelines do not reach habitations."

From US News • Mar. 22, 2016

George Herbert Cultural Misappropriation is that what I hear you cry, citizen?

From Unmanned by Oliver, Stephen

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