misalign

[ mis-uh-lahyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to adjust or align improperly or badly: Too often we misalign our actions with our values.

   Stiff back muscles can pull and misalign vertebrae.

   Too often we misalign our actions with our values.

verb (used without object)

1. to become improperly or badly aligned; fall out of line or position:

   I see how the system sometimes misaligns and causes unintended problems.

Other Words From

• mis·a·lign·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misalign¹

First recorded in 1905–10; mis- ¹( def ) + align ( def )

Example Sentences

To test its abilities, they cut the film in half, causing the layers to misalign.

From Scientific American

Things will go off and on the rails on the way there, naturally; the leads will align and misalign.

From Los Angeles Times

Combined with the ease of charging your iPhone at bedtime — where sleepy hands might misalign the coils and today’s pads don’t work well in bed — and I feel like MagSafe could be the single best new reason to buy an iPhone this year.

From The Verge

What if I misalign my “female urinary device” and send urine streaming all over my shoes and floor mat a few minutes before my next interview?

From Los Angeles Times

What if I misalign my “female urinary device” and send urine streaming all over my shoes and floor mat a few minutes before my next interview?

From Los Angeles Times