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Definition of misgovern

misgovern

/ˌmɪsˈɡʌv.ɚn/
mis · gov · ern

Adjective:misgoverned
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Past Simple:misgoverned
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Past Participle:misgoverned
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Present Participle:misgoverning
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misgovern Lexical Profile

misgovern Game Scores & Validity

• 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
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