Added 9 October 2026 misuse /mɪsˈjuːs/ noun Categories: ActionsUncommon Words In Latin: abūtor Wiktionary noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about misuse at Wordnik → Where our words come from → Improper or excessive use. alcohol abuse verb Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly. The words are misapplied in this context Change the inherent purpose or function of something. Don't abuse the system Origin From mis- + use (noun). From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA) Related Words: misapplyabusepervertmisapplicationmismanagementmalfeasanceimproperindiscriminatedistractabusiveabuseddeviation Back to today's word