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Definition of mishandle

mishandle

/mɪsˈhændəl/
mis · han · dle
Adjective:mishandled
•
Past Simple:mishandled
•
Past Participle:mishandled
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Present Participle:mishandling
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mishandle Lexical Profile

mishandle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To manage, deal with, or administer a situation, problem, or person inefficiently, incompetently, or improperly.

Example

"The committee was criticized for the way it chose to mishandle the public relations crisis."

2

To touch, hold, or move a physical object roughly, carelessly, or without proper skill.

Example

"Workers were warned not to mishandle the fragile laboratory equipment during the relocation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for mishandle

• Nearby Words

misguide
misguided
misguidedly
mishandle
mishandling
mishap
mishear

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the prefix 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'handle', from Old English 'handlian' (to touch or manage with the hands).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mishandle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mishandle
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