misuse
gb/mɪsjˈuz/ us/mɪsjˈuz/
B2
English
~ 6000
helytelenül használ, rendeltetésellenesen használ, visszaél, helytelen használat, rendeltetésellenes használat, visszaélés, hatalommal való visszaélés, kihasznál
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to misuse [something]
The company was fined for misusing customer data.
A vállalatot megbírságolták, mert visszaélt az ügyféladatokkal.
If you misuse this medicine, it can seriously damage your liver.
Ha helytelenül szeded ezt a gyógyszert, súlyosan károsíthatja a májadat.
He often misuses technical terms to sound more knowledgeable than he is.
The software was misused to spread false information online.
Students were warned not to misuse the emergency phone line.
Learner examples
You can hurt your back if you misuse this machine.
Megsérülhet a hátad, ha helytelenül használod ezt a gépet.
She misused my phone and sent messages without asking.
Visszaélt a telefonommal, és engedélyem nélkül üzeneteket küldött róla.
The teacher said some students misused the internet in class.
He misused a word, so the sentence sounded strange.
Please do not misuse this tool; it is dangerous.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write *"missuse"* with two s’s; the correct spelling is "misuse". They may also confuse "misuse" with "mistake": "misuse" is a wrong way of using something, while a "mistake" is any error, not only about use.
Meaning
use something in a wrong way
Collocations
misuse drugs
|misuse data
|misuse information
|misuse funds
|misuse the system
|misuse a word
Synonyms
misapply (Focuses on using something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose, usually more technical or formal.)
Antonyms
use properly (Emphasizes using something in the correct, suitable, or safe way.)
Themes
law
|ethics
|technology
|health
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To use something in the wrong way, or in a way that causes harm or problems.
To use something in a way that is wrong, unsuitable, harmful, or not intended.
VERB
C1
2
visszaél
B2
Usage pattern:
to misuse [power/authority/position/trust]
The minister resigned after being accused of misusing his power.
A miniszter lemondott, miután azzal vádolták, hogy visszaélt a hatalmával.
Employees can be fired if they misuse their access to confidential records.
Az alkalmazottakat elbocsáthatják, ha visszaélnek a bizalmas nyilvántartásokhoz való hozzáférésükkel.
She felt her manager had misused his position to pressure her into working unpaid overtime.
The report claims the charity misused donors’ trust for political campaigning.
They promised to punish any official who misuses public office for personal gain.
Learner examples
The police officer was punished for misusing his power.
A rendőrt megbüntették, mert visszaélt a hatalmával.
A boss must not misuse her position to get personal favors.
Egy főnöknek nem szabad visszaélnie a pozíciójával, hogy személyes szívességeket szerezzen.
He misused the trust of his friends to get money.
Leaders who misuse their authority can harm many people.
The company fired him because he misused company funds.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use only "use" where "misuse" or "abuse" is needed, for example saying *"He used his power"* when they mean he used it in a wrong way. In this context, "misuse" or "abuse" clearly shows the use was unfair or dishonest.
Meaning
use power in an unfair way
Collocations
misuse power
|misuse authority
|misuse their position
|misuse public office
|misuse public funds
|misuse the trust of [someone]
Synonyms
abuse (Very close in meaning when talking about power or authority; often slightly stronger and more emotional.)
Antonyms
use responsibly (Focuses on using power or authority in a fair, careful, and ethical way.)
Themes
politics
|law
|ethics
|business
Definition
To use your power or position in a way that is not fair or honest, often to help yourself.
To use power, authority, trust, or responsibility in an unfair, dishonest, or selfish way.
NOUN
B2
3
Usage pattern:
the misuse of [something]
The new law aims to reduce the misuse of prescription drugs.
Az új törvény célja, hogy visszaszorítsa a vényköteles gyógyszerekkel való visszaélést.
There have been several cases of misuse of personal data by online companies.
Már több esetben előfordult, hogy online cégek visszaéltek személyes adatokkal.
The manual explains how to avoid misuse of the machine.
His comments were a clear misuse of technical language to confuse the public.
Misuse of this card may result in a fine or suspension of your account.
Learner examples
Drug misuse is a big problem in many countries.
A kábítószerekkel való visszaélés sok országban nagy probléma.
The school wants to stop the misuse of mobile phones in class.
Az iskola meg akarja akadályozni a mobiltelefonok helytelen használatát az órákon.
Misuse of this key can cause a security problem.
There was serious misuse of personal information at that bank.
We must prevent the misuse of this new tool.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"a misuse"* when they mean a general problem (e.g. *"There is a misuse of drugs"*). It is more natural to say "drug misuse" or "the misuse of drugs". Also, in formal writing, "misuse" is often preferred to "wrong use".
Meaning
wrong or harmful use of something
Collocations
drug misuse
|alcohol misuse
|the misuse of data
|the misuse of information
|cases of misuse
|prevent misuse
Synonyms
wrong use (More informal and descriptive; less commonly used as a set phrase in formal writing.)
Antonyms
proper use (Highlights that something is used in the correct, intended, or safe way.)
Themes
law
|health
|technology
|ethics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The action of using something in the wrong way or in a way that causes harm.
The act, practice, or instance of using something in a way that is wrong, unsuitable, harmful, or not intended.
NOUN
C1
4
Usage pattern:
the misuse of [power/authority/position/trust]
The committee is investigating possible misuse of power by senior officials.
A bizottság a magas rangú tisztviselők esetleges hatalommal való visszaélését vizsgálja.
Journalists uncovered extensive misuse of public funds within the department.
Az újságírók széles körű közpénz-visszaéléseket tártak fel a hivatalon belül.
The law was created to prevent the misuse of authority by local governments.
There were serious allegations of misuse of office during the election campaign.
The judge warned that any misuse of his position would result in removal from the bench.
Learner examples
People protested against the misuse of power by the police.
Az emberek tiltakoztak a rendőrség hatalommal való visszaélése ellen.
Misuse of public money is a crime.
A közpénzekkel való visszaélés bűncselekmény.
They are looking into misuse of office in the city government.
The article talks about misuse of authority in the army.
Misuse of trust can destroy a leader’s reputation.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix word order and say *"power misuse"* instead of the more natural "misuse of power" in formal contexts. The pattern "misuse of + noun" is standard in news and academic writing.
Meaning
unfair use of power or position
Collocations
misuse of power
|misuse of authority
|misuse of office
|allegations of misuse
|political misuse
|misuse of public funds
Synonyms
abuse (Common one-word alternative in this context (as in "abuse of power"); often slightly more emotional or severe in tone.)
Antonyms
responsible use (Stresses ethical, fair, and careful use of power or authority.)
Themes
politics
|law
|ethics
|business
Definition
When someone uses their power, position, or trust in a way that is not fair or honest.
Unfair, dishonest, or selfish use of power, authority, trust, or responsibility.
VERB
C1
5
kihasznál
B1
Usage pattern:
to misuse [someone/someone’s kindness/trust/help]
She felt deeply hurt and misused after discovering he had only dated her for money.
Nagyon megbántódott, és úgy érezte, kihasználták, amikor megtudta, hogy a férfi csak a pénze miatt járt vele.
Volunteers complained that the organization misused them as free labor.
Az önkéntesek panaszkodtak, hogy a szervezet ingyen munkaerőként használta ki őket.
He admitted that he had misused her trust and promised to change.
They accused the coach of misusing young players to promote his own career.
Over time, he realized how badly he had misused their friendship.
Learner examples
She felt misused when she learned the truth.
Úgy érezte, kihasználták, amikor megtudta az igazságot.
He misused her kindness and asked for help every day.
Kihasználta a jóindulatát, és mindennap segítséget kért tőle.
The workers said the boss misused them and did not pay them well.
I trusted him, but he misused my trust.
They felt the company misused their time.
Common mistake:
This sense is less common than "abuse" or "exploit" for talking about bad treatment of people. Learners may overuse "misuse" with people; in many cases, "treat badly", "exploit", or "take advantage of" sound more natural.
Meaning
treat or use a person unfairly
Collocations
misuse someone
|misuse her kindness
|misuse his trust
|misuse their loyalty
|feel misused
Synonyms
exploit (Focuses strongly on using someone unfairly for your own advantage; usually sounds more serious and negative.)
Antonyms
treat fairly (Shows that a person is dealt with in a just, respectful, and honest way instead of being used.)
Themes
relationships
|ethics
|work
Definition
To treat a person in a bad or unfair way, often using them for yourself.
To treat a person unfairly or exploit them, especially by using their time, effort, or feelings only for your own benefit.
Grammar
Dictionary form
misuse
IPA
GB/mɪsjˈuz/
US/mɪsjˈuz/
Syllables & stress
mis - use (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (use)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: misuse
- Plural: misuse, misuses
Verb
- Base: misuse
- 3rd Person Singular: misuses
- Present Participle: misusing
- Past: misused
Word family
Forms
misuses
noun
misusing
verb
misused
verb
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
Expressions
alcohol misuse
1/ˈælkəhˌɑl mɪsjˈuz/
fixed phrase
harmful or excessive use of alcohol
Drinking alcohol in a way that is harmful, unhealthy, or causes problems in life.
Examples
- Alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems.
- The program offers support to people struggling with alcohol misuse.
drug misuse
1/dɹˈʌɡ mɪsjˈuz/
fixed phrase
harmful or illegal use of drugs
Using legal or illegal drugs in a way that is dangerous, harmful, or not as a doctor says.
Examples
- The campaign aims to reduce drug misuse among teenagers.
- Doctors are worried about drug misuse after surgery.
misuse of funds
1/mɪsjˈuz əv fˈʌndz/
fixed phrase
using money in a wrong way
Using money for the wrong purpose, or in a way that is not allowed or not planned.
Examples
- The manager was fired for misuse of funds.
- An audit revealed possible misuse of funds in the project.
misuse of information
1/mɪsjˈuz əv ˌɪnfɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
wrong or harmful use of information
Using information in a harmful or dishonest way, or in a way that breaks rules.
Examples
- New rules are designed to prevent the misuse of information by social media companies.
- The company apologized for the misuse of information collected from users.
misuse of power
1/mɪsjˈuz əv pˈaʊɚ/
fixed phrase
unfair or dishonest use of power
When a person in power uses that power in a way that is not fair, honest, or right.
Examples
- Protesters marched against the misuse of power by government officials.
- The documentary explores the misuse of power in large corporations.