misalignment
/ˌmɪsəˈlaɪnmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmɪsəˈlaɪnmənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌmis-ə-ˈlīn-mənt How to pronounce misalignment (audio)/ (ame, mw)
misalignment — noun
- misalignmentsingular
- misalignmentsplural
1. a condition where pieces in equipment, a structure, or the body are not lined up
a condition where pieces in equipment, a structure, or the body are not lined up properly, so they rub, shake, or work badly.
The dentist corrected the slight misalignment in Marco's front teeth.
misalignment in a body part such as teeth
A misalignment in the printer rail made every page feed sideways.
misalignment in a machine part causing faulty movement
After the bike crash, Jisoo noticed a wheel misalignment near the brake.
The mechanic traced the steering shake to a tiny axle misalignment.
- displacement
broader term for being moved from the right place, not always about alignment
- skew
often stresses an angular tilt rather than a general positional problem
- alignment
parts are lined up correctly and move as intended
用法筆記
Often appears with in or of plus a physical part such as teeth, wheels, rails, or joints. Common in repair, dental, and engineering contexts.
2. a lack of fit between parts of a plan, system, or relationship, so people work t
a lack of fit between parts of a plan, system, or relationship, so people work toward different aims or move at the wrong pace.
The audit found misalignment between the sales targets and factory capacity.
misalignment between two linked parts of a system
Years of misalignment between city rules and bus routes frustrated commuters.
There was clear misalignment between what Evelyn promised and what the team could deliver.
Vivek warned that misalignment across the departments would delay the launch.
- mismatch
common general word for two things that do not suit each other
- disconnect
often stresses poor understanding or communication between groups
- imbalance
focuses more on unequal weight or power than on poor fit
- coordination
people or systems are working in step with each other
用法筆記
Usually appears with between, across, or over to name sides that should work together. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about goals, policies, schedules, or incentives, not visible physical position.