misuse
use something in a wrong way
To use something in the wrong way, or in a way that causes harm or problems.
to misuse [something]
- The company was fined for misusing customer data.
- If you misuse this medicine, it can seriously damage your liver.
- 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.
- You can hurt your back if you misuse this machine.
- She misused my phone and sent messages without asking.
- 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.
use power in an unfair way
To use your power or position in a way that is not fair or honest, often to help yourself.
to misuse [power/authority/position/trust]
- The minister resigned after being accused of misusing his power.
- Employees can be fired if they misuse their access to confidential records.
- 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.
- The police officer was punished for misusing his power.
- A boss must not misuse her position to get personal favors.
- 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.
wrong or harmful use of something
The action of using something in the wrong way or in a way that causes harm.
the misuse of [something]
- The new law aims to reduce the misuse of prescription drugs.
- There have been several cases of misuse of personal data by online companies.
- 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.
- Drug misuse is a big problem in many countries.
- The school wants to stop the misuse of mobile phones in class.
- 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.
unfair use of power or position
When someone uses their power, position, or trust in a way that is not fair or honest.
the misuse of [power/authority/position/trust]
- The committee is investigating possible misuse of power by senior officials.
- Journalists uncovered extensive misuse of public funds within the department.
- 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.
- People protested against the misuse of power by the police.
- Misuse of public money is a crime.
- 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.
treat or use a person unfairly
To treat a person in a bad or unfair way, often using them for yourself.
to misuse [someone/someone’s kindness/trust/help]
- She felt deeply hurt and misused after discovering he had only dated her for money.
- Volunteers complained that the organization misused them as free labor.
- 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.
- She felt misused when she learned the truth.
- He misused her kindness and asked for help every day.
- 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.
- Base: misuse
- Plural: misuse, misuses
- Base: misuse
- 3rd Person Singular: misuses
- Present Participle: misusing
- Past: misused
alcohol misuse
1harmful or excessive use of alcohol
Drinking alcohol in a way that is harmful, unhealthy, or causes problems in life.
- Alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems.
- The program offers support to people struggling with alcohol misuse.
drug misuse
1harmful or illegal use of drugs
Using legal or illegal drugs in a way that is dangerous, harmful, or not as a doctor says.
- The campaign aims to reduce drug misuse among teenagers.
- Doctors are worried about drug misuse after surgery.
misuse of funds
1using money in a wrong way
Using money for the wrong purpose, or in a way that is not allowed or not planned.
- The manager was fired for misuse of funds.
- An audit revealed possible misuse of funds in the project.
misuse of information
1wrong or harmful use of information
Using information in a harmful or dishonest way, or in a way that breaks rules.
- 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
1unfair or dishonest use of power
When a person in power uses that power in a way that is not fair, honest, or right.
- Protesters marched against the misuse of power by government officials.
- The documentary explores the misuse of power in large corporations.