Definition

Verb: To position or arrange things so that they are not in correct or proper alignment; to be out of line.

Usage

The verb "misalign" describes the action of causing parts, components, or elements to be incorrectly positioned relative to each other, so they do not line up as intended. It often implies a fault, error, or imperfection in assembly or adjustment.

Examples

• The mechanic discovered that the wheels were misaligned, causing the car to pull to the left.
• If you misalign the document in the printer tray, it will jam.
• Years of settling had misaligned the door frame, making the door difficult to close.

Advanced Usage

• "to become misaligned": This passive construction is common when describing a state resulting from wear, force, or time.
  • The gears can become misaligned due to excessive vibration.
• "grossly misaligned": Using an adverb like "grossly" emphasizes a severe degree of misalignment.
  • The satellite dish was grossly misaligned, resulting in no signal.

Variants and Related Words

• Misalignment (noun): The state or condition of being misaligned.
  • A misalignment of the vertebrae can cause chronic pain.
• Aligned (adjective): Correctly positioned or arranged.
• Realign (verb): To align again or correctly after being misaligned.

Synonyms

• Disalign
• Put out of line
• Knock out of alignment

Antonyms

• Align
• Line up
• Straighten

Related Phrases

• Out of alignment: A common phrase describing the state resulting from being misaligned. It is often used interchangeably with "misaligned."
  • The bridge's supports were out of alignment.

Verb

1. align imperfectly or badly
   • the elements of the turbine were misaligned