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

A court in the nearby town of Briviesca said it had "ordered the provisional release of the two former nuns" detained on Thursday, who are under investigation "for misappropriation of cultural heritage assets".

From Barron's

Since their establishment, Nabu and Sap have been involved in far-reaching investigations into the misappropriation of millions of dollars' worth of assets and bribes across various ministries and sectors.

From BBC

Since then the two bodies have been involved in far-reaching investigations into the misappropriation of millions of dollars' worth of assets and bribes across various ministries and sectors.

From BBC

The Zambian health sector is heavily funded by foreign donors, but there have been previous reports of widespread misappropriation and corruption involving senior health officials.

From BBC

A copy of a warrant reviewed by The Times shows that investigators are looking into allegations of bribery, misappropriation of public funds, conflict of interest, money laundering and conspiracy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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