Misuse

Misuse refers to the improper or inappropriate use of something, often diverging from its intended purpose, guidelines, or safety requirements. It can be accidental or deliberate and may be illegal, unethical, or hazardous. The term is used across fields to distinguish legitimate use from actions that threaten safety, quality, or rights.

Common domains of misuse include health and medicine (taking medications in incorrect doses or without professional guidance), information technology and data (unauthorized access, sharing, or manipulation), substances (drug or alcohol misuse), and equipment or resources (using tools beyond their intended limits or for unintended purposes). Misuse can also involve improper use of power or authority, or misallocation of funds or materials.

Causes include lack of awareness or training, ambiguous rules, convenience, cost pressures, and weak controls. Indicators include deviations from approved procedures, unsafe outcomes, repeated policy violations, or refusal to correct improper practices despite warnings.

Consequences range from health risks and legal penalties to financial loss and reputational damage. Prevention combines clear policies, education and training, access controls, monitoring, and system design that minimizes opportunities for misuse. In assessing misuse, distinctions are often made from abuse, negligence, or fraud, though real-world cases may involve overlapping factors.