misappropriation

American  

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

noun

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of misappropriation

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misappropriation

Legal experts say Harper might have grounds to sue FanDuel for false endorsement, misappropriation and invasion of privacy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Musk’s xAI is suing Li separately in part over trade-secret misappropriation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 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

He still faces outstanding charges for corruption and misappropriation of state funds in Honduras and his wife, Ana García Carías, had visa restrictions placed on her after her husband's arrest.

From BBC ● May 19, 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

Related Words

• desecration
• exploitation
• misconduct
• misdeed
• mishandling
• misuse
• prostitution
• wrongdoing