# misuse vs misused

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### misuse
*noun · IPA /mɪsˈjuːs/ · frequency rank #14,169*
An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.

### misused
*adjective · IPA /mɪsˈjuːzd/ · frequency rank #27,219*
Used in an incorrect or inappropriate manner.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/misuse-vs-misused