misappropriation

[ mis-uh-proh-pree-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. wrongful use, especially the dishonest or inappropriate use of others’ money, data, etc.:

   He pled guilty to multiple counts of misappropriation of public funds and falsifying public documents, and received a four-year prison sentence.

   Database owners are concerned about the possible commercial misappropriation of their products.

Word History and Origins

Origin of misappropriation¹

mis- ¹( def ) + appropriation ( def )

Example Sentences

The Ingram-Moores said there had been no misappropriation of funds from the charity and that they had been treated “unfairly and unjustly” by the inquiry.

From BBC

Following Jack's comments, the White Stripes sued Trump and his campaign for his "flagrant misappropriation of the musical composition and sound recording 'Seven Nation Army.'"

From Salon

“The level of March’s misconduct and misappropriation of client funds is stunning,” Chief Trial Counsel George Cardona said in a State Bar release Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

But now, Mr. Herman has been named in a petition brought by Ms. Birdsong’s son, who is accusing him in court papers of financial elder abuse and misappropriation of her money.

From New York Times

She says this misappropriation of her and Beijneveld’s work “distorts the scientific record.”

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• desecration
• exploitation
• misconduct
• misdeed
• mishandling
• misuse
• prostitution
• wrongdoing