1. incorrect or improper use of something, especially money, resources, or a term
Usage: commonly used in legal and financial contexts
2. the act of applying something to a wrong purpose or in a wrong way

Examples

• The misapplication of funds led to an investigation by the auditors.
• The judge ruled that the law was a misapplication of the statute.
• His misapplication of the scientific method invalidated the entire experiment.
• The company faced penalties for the misapplication of tax credits.
• She criticized the misapplication of psychological theories in the classroom.
• The misapplication of force by the officer resulted in a lawsuit.