What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malposition
Example
The malposition of the bookshelf made it difficult to access the top shelf. [malposition: noun]
Example
The baby's malposition required a cesarean section delivery. [malposition: adjective]
misalignment
Example
The misalignment of the gears caused the machine to malfunction. [misalignment: noun]
Example
The misaligned tiles made the floor look uneven. [misaligned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misalignment is more commonly used than malposition in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. Malposition is more specialized and is typically used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malposition and misalignment?
Both malposition and misalignment are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts. However, misalignment may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.