misuse
noun
wrong or improper use; misapplication.
misusing
-
present participleof misuse.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
A Lufkin officer was indicted Aug. 24 on 100 counts of misusing official information, which Abbott cited as a concerning development during a Friday radio interview.
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
In this age of fairness and reason, it’s hard to imagine a government official misusing power to keep secrets, but I’m told it happens.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
Some city leaders had also dinged the county for misusing homelessness money generated from a previous sales tax and argued this new pot of dollars would be handled no better.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026
Davies agreed the onus should be on social media platforms to tighten up safety measures and added adults were also guilty of misusing social media.
From BBC ● May 25, 2026
Jonas remembered, suddenly and grimly, the time in his childhood when he had been chastised for misusing a word.
From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
