What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Misuse vs Overuse - What's the difference?

misuse | overuse |

As nouns the difference between misuse and overuse

is that misuse is an incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something while overuse is excessive use.

As verbs the difference between misuse and overuse

is that misuse is to use (something) incorrectly while overuse is to use too much.

misuse

English

Etymology 1

(mis-) +

Noun

(en noun)
  • An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2012 , date=June 4 , author=Lewis Smith , title=Queen's English Society says enuf is enough, innit? , work=the Guardian citation , page= , passage=The Queen may be celebrating her jubilee but the Queen's English Society, which has railed against the misuse and deterioration of the English language, is to fold.}}

    Etymology 2

    From (mis-) +

    Verb

    (misus)
  • To use (something) incorrectly.
  • To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
  • (obsolete) To abuse verbally, to insult.
  • *, II.3.7:
    • Socrates was brought upon the stage by Aristophanes, and misused to his face: but he laughed, as if it concerned him not […].

    overuse

    English

    Verb

    (overus)
  • To use too much

    • Noun

    (-)
  • excessive use

    • Anagrams

    * English heteronyms