misused

mis·use

 (mĭs-yo͞oz′)

tr.v. mis·used, mis·us·ing, mis·us·es

1. To use incorrectly.

2. To mistreat or abuse. See Synonyms at abuse.

n. (-yo͞os′)

Improper, unlawful, or incorrect use; misapplication.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

disused

– unused – misused

1. 'disused'

A disused place or building is no longer used for its original purpose and is now empty.

The sculpture was stored in a disused lorry factory.

2. 'unused'

Something that is unused has never been used.

A pile of unused fuel lay nearby.

3. 'misused'

When something is misused, it is used in a wrong or careless way.

He wanted to prevent science from being misused.

In some cases pesticides are deliberately misused.

Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

misused - used incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose; "misused words are often laughable but one weeps for misused talents" used - employed in accomplishing something; "the principle of surprise is the most used and misused of all the principles of war"- H.H.Arnold & I.C.Eaker

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.