misfile

IPA/ˌmɪsˈfaɪl/
IPA/ˌmɪsˈfaɪl/

misfile — verb

  • misfilepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • misfileshe / she / it
  • misfiledpast simple
  • misfiling-ing form

1. to put a paper document, electronic record, or other piece of information into t

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to put a paper document, electronic record, or other piece of information into the wrong storage location so that finding it again becomes difficult.

Example

Mayumi realised she had misfiled the patient's records under the wrong surname.

misfile + direct object (patient's records)

The old lease agreement had been misfiled in a drawer full of kitchen receipts.

passive: had been misfiled

Common collocations
  • misfile a document
  • misfile a record
  • misfile a report
  • misfile paperwork
  • misfile correspondence
Synonyms
  • misplace

    broader — can refer to any object, not just documents; less formal

  • mislay

    implies the item was put somewhere and then forgotten, usually temporarily; slightly less formal than misfile

  • mis-sort

    focuses on the sorting/organising action rather than the storage location

Antonyms
  • file

    to put a document in its correct place

Grammar Patterns

misfile + noun phrase

be misfiled (passive)

Usage Note

Often used in the passive voice (was misfiled / have been misfiled) because the focus is usually on the lost document rather than who lost it.

Common Mistakes

I misfiled my keys this morning.
I misplaced my keys this morning.
'misfile' is only for documents and records, not for everyday objects like keys or clothes.

2. to send an official document, application, or evidence to the wrong court, agenc

2.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to send an official document, application, or evidence to the wrong court, agency, or office, so that it cannot be accepted as valid.

Example

The law firm misfiled the appeal by sending it to civil court instead of family court.

misfile + [document] + by + [wrong action]

If you misfile your visa application with the wrong embassy, it will be returned unprocessed.

conditional: if + misfile + with [wrong office]

Common collocations
  • misfile an appeal
  • misfile a claim
  • misfile evidence
  • misfile a return
  • misfile an application
Synonyms
  • submit incorrectly

    more general; describes the action without the filing metaphor

  • misstate

    focuses on giving wrong information rather than the submission process itself

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

misfile + noun phrase (legal document)

Usage Note

The subject is usually a person, company, or organisation that handles official paperwork. The object is typically a legal or government document such as a claim, appeal, return, or application.

Common Mistakes

The accountant misfiled the invoices in the wrong folder.
The accountant filed the invoices in the wrong folder.
For internal office paperwork (not official submissions to a court or regulator), sense 1 is more appropriate.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe putting something where it should not go, but they differ in scope and register. 'Misfile' is the most specific — it applies only to documents, records, and information stored in a filing system (physical or digital), and it has a formal, administrative tone. 'Misplace' is the broadest everyday word: you can misplace your phone, your keys, or a book, and it carries no special register. 'Mislay' is close to 'misplace' but suggests you put something down and then forgot which spot you chose — it often implies the item is only temporarily lost. 'Mis-sort' focuses on the moment of sorting rather than the storage location; you might mis-sort mail into the wrong delivery pile. If a library volunteer puts a book on the wrong shelf, you could say they misfiled it (formal) or mis-sorted it (more technical). If you drop your wallet somewhere in the house, only 'misplace' or 'mislay' fits.

misfile ↗misplace ↗mislay ↗mis-sort

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • misfile by mistake
  • misfile with the court
  • misfile under the wrong name

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishLatinFrenchEnglish

The verb 'misfile' is formed by adding the prefix 'mis-' (meaning 'wrongly, badly') to the verb 'file', which comes from the idea of threading documents onto a string or wire for storage. 'File' entered English through French 'filer' (to string documents) and traces back to Latin 'filum' (a thread). The prefix 'mis-' has Old English origins in 'mis-' (wrongly). The compound word came into use in the late 19th century as modern office filing systems developed.

First known use

1912

1912, in the meaning defined above