misapplied

[mis-uh-plahyd]

adjective

1. mistakenly applied; applied; used wrongly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of misapplied¹

First recorded in 1620–30; mis- ¹ + applied

Example Sentences

The court found that Ofcom had misapplied Rule 5.3 of the code, saying the provision only applies to "news programmes" and not to current affairs shows, such as the one Sir Jacob hosts.

From BBC

When a larger group of judges reviewed the decision, some found that the smaller panel had misapplied the law — but they were overruled.

From Los Angeles Times

Yoo’s record reminds us that the law can be misapplied and used as an enabler, rather than as a restraint on unlawful power.

From Salon

The reason for this swirl of intrigue is a new state law aimed at safeguarding the rights of juvenile suspects, which may have been misapplied.

From Seattle Times

“Families were divided by misapplied immigration policies and discriminatory immigration policies specifically geared toward indigenous people, Mexican Americans, Latinos,” said Joaquin Sanchez, Noelia’s son, who is now an immigration attorney in Chicago.

From Seattle Times