Synonyms

misappropriation

American

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

noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of misappropriation

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

Vocabulary lists containing misappropriation

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

The lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement, trademark infringement and misappropriation of Lipa's likeness and image.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

The anti-corruption association had filed a complaint in December 2025 over the misappropriation of public funds, following an article in French investigative weekly Le Canard Enchaine.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Jones and Wackerly “engaged in a significant misappropriation of taxpayer funds” over a six-year period, according to the news release.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023