misshapen

[ mis-shey-puhn, mish- ]

adjective

1. badly shaped; deformed.

misshapen

/ ˌmɪsˈʃeɪpən /

adjective

1. badly shaped; deformed

Derived Forms

• ˌmisˈshapenly, adverb
• ˌmisˈshapenness, noun

Other Words From

• mis·shapen·ly adverb
• mis·shapen·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misshapen¹

1350–1400; Middle English: past participle of misshape; -en ³

Example Sentences

While roughing it in minimal tents on misshapen ground is the norm for American backpackers, inn-to-inn hiking lets a trekker luxuriate with a hot meal and a plush bed at the end of a long foot-sore day.

From Los Angeles Times

An associate professor at Bryant University, Kim is the lead author of a recently published study in the journal Psychology & Marketing that found that when googly eyes are placed on pictures of irregular-appearing vegetables, or human names are used to describe misshapen fruits, consumers are more inclined to buy "ugly" produce.

From Salon

So-called "ugly" produce — misshapen food that never makes it to the grocery store because of its looks — falls into this category.

From Salon

In a country that is known to be obsessed with perfection, damaged or misshapen vegetables and fruits are hard to sell.

From BBC

These misshapen proteins can disrupt mitochondria’s ability to produce the energy cells need.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• contorted
• twisted