mis-shapen

The baker pulled a mis-shapen loaf from the oven.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having an abnormal or distorted shape: "mis-shapen" describes something that is not formed or shaped correctly; it is deformed or misshapen. The spelling "mis-shapen" is an alternative to the more common "misshapen," but the meaning is identical: twisted, bent, or irregular in form, often in a way that is unattractive or unnatural.

Usage Examples

• (The trunk was deformed and irregular in shape.)
• (Her hands were distorted in form.)
• (The windows were not symmetrical or properly formed.)

Advanced Usage

• "mis-shapen" as a literary or poetic term: This spelling is less common but appears in older or more formal English texts, often to emphasize a sense of grotesqueness or unnaturalness.

  • The mis-shapen creature lurked in the shadows, its form barely recognizable. (The creature was deformed and hideous.)

• "to be mis-shapen by": to be deformed due to a specific cause.

  • His leg was mis-shapen by a childhood accident. (The leg was permanently distorted as a result of the injury.)

Variants and Related Words

• Misshapen (adj): the standard spelling of the same word.
  • The misshapen vase was worthless to the collector. (The vase was deformed.)
• Misshape (verb): to shape badly; to deform.
  • The potter accidentally misshaped the clay. (The potter deformed the clay.)
• Misshapenly (adv): in a misshapen manner.
  • The sculpture was misshapenly formed. (It was formed in a distorted way.)
• Misshapenness (n): the quality of being misshapen.
  • The misshapenness of the fruit made it unsellable. (The deformity made it unsellable.)

Synonyms

• Deformed: having an unnatural or distorted shape.
• Distorted: twisted or pulled out of shape.
• Malformed: badly or abnormally formed.
• Bent: curved or crooked, often due to force.
• Grotesque: comically or repulsively distorted.

Related Idioms

• "Out of shape": physically distorted or not in proper form.
  • The old suitcase was completely out of shape. (It was mis-shapen or deformed.)
• "Bent out of shape": (informal) upset or angry, but also literally twisted.
  • The metal rod was bent out of shape after the accident. (It was twisted and mis-shapen.)