# misuse

> English word · Noun · IPA /mɪsˈjuːs/ · frequency rank #14,169

## Definitions
1. An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.

## Etymology
From mis- + use (noun).

## Easily confused with
- **muse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/misuse-vs-muse)
- **mouse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/misuse-vs-mouse)
- **misused** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/misuse-vs-misused)
- **miss** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/miss-vs-misuse)
- **minus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/minus-vs-misuse)
- **Missy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/missy-vs-misuse)
- **mists** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/mists-vs-misuse)
- **missa** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/missa-vs-misuse)
- **minute** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/minute-vs-misuse)
- **missed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/missed-vs-misuse)
- **Misses** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/misses-vs-misuse)
- **missus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/missus-vs-misuse)

## Common misspellings (8)
`imsuse`, `missue`, `missuse`, `misues`, `misusse`, `miusse`, `mmisuse`, `msiuse`

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