ill-use

American  

[il-yooz, il-yoos] / ˈɪlˈyuz, ˈɪlˈyus /

verb (used with object)

ill-used, ill-using

1. to treat badly, unjustly, cruelly, etc.

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noun

1. Also ill-usage bad, unjust, or cruel treatment.

ill-use British  

verb

1. to use badly or cruelly; abuse; maltreat

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noun

1. harsh or cruel treatment; abuse

Etymology

Origin of ill-use

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Also driving Zcash’s surge: receding fears that U.S. regulators will take issue with the coin’s privacy features, which some worry could be exploited for ill use.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Among the most heartbreaking examples of census work put to ill use was when the federal government broke its promise never to use census data against its citizens.

From Washington Post • Aug. 19, 2022

Putting John to such ill use here only underscores how in searching for depth, Gaga has actually flattened many of her appealing dimensions on “Chromatica.”

From New York Times • May 29, 2020

"But in the '70s there was an awareness of the historical ill use of that word, and that was a real consciousness shift."

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2015

Oh let me see some of them, pray do," said Ellen: "assure yourself I will make no ill use of your confidence.

From Mystery and Confidence, Vol. 2 A Tale by Pinchard, Elizabeth