mismatch

[mis-mach, mis-mach]

verb (used with object)

1. to match badly or unsuitably.

noun

1. a bad or unsatisfactory match.

mismatch

/ ˌmɪsˈmætʃ /

verb

1. to match badly, esp in marriage

noun

1. a bad or inappropriate match

Word History and Origins

Origin of mismatch¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; mis- ¹ + match ²

Example Sentences

Although women make up roughly 60% of college grads, outpacing men with degrees, that educational mismatch hasn’t stopped educated women from marrying.

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The exasperation over a lost water bottle, the frustration of mismatched shin guards, the stress of ticking off a mental check-list when rushing out the door—I loved how ordinary these problems felt.

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The mismatch has hit California particularly hard, triggering a state audit, legislative proposals and funding initiatives.

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This can have wider implications for a couple beyond just looking mismatched in public, Ifesinachi says.

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USC coach now has the talent and the depth at the position, helping create mismatches however they are deployed in the 12 formation.

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Related Words

• discrepancy 
• imbalance