misapplication
/ˌmɪsæplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmɪsæplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌmis-ˌa-plə-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)
misapplication — noun
- misapplicationsingular
- misapplicationsplural
1. the act of using a rule, method, or thing in a mistaken way or in a situation it
the act of using a rule, method, or thing in a mistaken way or in a situation it was not meant for
The coach called it a misapplication of the safety rule during practice.
misapplication of + rule
Haruto's kitchen fire started after a misapplication of lighter fluid on damp coals.
The doctor warned that a misapplication of the cream could burn the skin.
Élise lost the plant after a misapplication of fertilizer around its roots.
- misuse
broader and more common in everyday English
- mishandling
often focuses on clumsy treatment rather than wrong purpose
- abuse
usually suggests harm or unfair treatment, not just a mistaken use
- proper use
uses something in the intended way
- correct application
stresses accurate use of a rule or method
文法句型
a misapplication of + rule/tool/medicine
misapplication of + principle
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'of' plus the thing that was used wrongly, such as a rule, medicine, or machine. It often appears in formal criticism rather than everyday conversation.
2. the dishonest use of money or property that someone trusted you to manage, espec
the dishonest use of money or property that someone trusted you to manage, especially when you move it to your own use or to an unapproved purpose
The audit found misapplication of school lunch money by two office workers.
misapplication of + money
City leaders denied misapplication of relief funds after the flood.
The court heard evidence of misapplication of an elderly tenant's savings.
A charity director resigned over misapplication of donations meant for winter coats.
- misappropriation
more technical and often used in legal writing
- embezzlement
narrower term for stealing money entrusted to you
- diversion
can describe moving money to a different use without always implying personal gain
- proper accounting
shows money or property being handled with authority and records
- authorized use
focuses on using funds with the required approval
文法句型
misapplication of + funds/property
evidence/allegation of + misapplication
用法筆記
Usually appears in legal, official, or audit contexts and most often refers to public money, donations, or property held in trust. Unlike sense 1, it suggests lack of authority or dishonesty, not just a mistake.