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Definition of misgovern
misgovern
/ˌmɪsˈɡʌv.ɚn/
mis · gov · ern
Adjective:misgoverned
•Past Simple:misgoverned
•Past Participle:misgoverned
•Present Participle:misgoverning
misgovern Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
10
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
3
misgovern Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• verb
1
To govern, rule, or administer (a state, organization, or community) badly, corruptly, or incompetently.
Example
"Historians argue that the dynasty collapsed because successive monarchs continued to misgovern the provinces."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for misgovern• Rhymes for misgovern
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the prefix 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'govern', which entered English via Old French 'governer' from Latin 'gubernare' (to steer a ship, direct, or rule).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Misgovern. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/misgovern