misusage

[ mis-yoo-sij, -zij ]

noun

1. wrong or improper usage, as of words.
2. bad or abusive treatment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of misusage¹

First recorded in 1525–35; mis- ¹ + usage

Example Sentences

This misusage is now ubiquitous in reporting about the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, but the media have been abusing it for decades in all manner of contexts.

From Washington Post

Because it contains opioid fentanyl, misusage can lead to death by overdose.

From Reuters

Because it contains opioid fentanyl, misusage can lead to death by overdose.

From Reuters

And if enough people misuse a term for long enough, the misusage becomes usage.

From Salon

There was nothing new in such misusage.

From Salon