What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
misalignment
Example
The misalignment of the gears caused the machine to malfunction. [misalignment: noun]
Example
The misaligned tiles on the floor made it difficult to walk without tripping. [misaligned: adjective]
misplacement
Example
The misplacement of the keys caused me to be late for work. [misplacement: noun]
Example
I can't find my phone, I think I may have misplaced it somewhere. [misplaced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misplacement is more commonly used than misalignment in everyday language. Misplacement is a common occurrence that can happen to anyone, while misalignment is a more technical term that is used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between misalignment and misplacement?
Both misalignment and misplacement are formal words that are typically used in professional or technical contexts. However, misplacement can also be used in informal situations when referring to lost items.
