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.

Utilize vs Misuse - What's the difference?

utilize | misuse |

As verbs the difference between utilize and misuse

is that utilize is while misuse is to use (something) incorrectly.

As a noun misuse is

an incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.

utilize

English

Alternative forms

* utilise (non-Oxford British spelling)

Verb

(utiliz)

    • Usage notes

    * See usage notes at utilise .

    Derived terms

    * utilization * utilizable * utilizer

    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 […].