misalliance
Noun: 1. An unsuitable or inappropriate alliance, especially in marriage: A misalliance refers to a union, partnership, or marriage that is considered ill-matched, improper, or socially unequal. It implies a mismatch in status, character, background, or suitability between the parties involved.
The word "misalliance" is a formal term used to describe a partnership that is fundamentally mismatched. It is most commonly applied to marriages but can extend to other types of alliances, such as political or business partnerships, that are deemed unsuitable. - It is often used in social, literary, or historical contexts to critique or describe a union perceived as a mistake due to disparities. - The term carries a connotation of social judgment or disapproval.
- The novel's plot revolves around the tragic consequences of a misalliance between a wealthy aristocrat and a penniless artist.
- Historians often describe the political treaty as a misalliance that weakened both kingdoms.
- Her family considered the marriage a misalliance due to the vast difference in their social standings.
- "To contract a misalliance": To enter into an unsuitable marriage or partnership.
- Against his family's wishes, he contracted a misalliance with a woman from a notorious family.
- Used in a broader, metaphorical sense for any ill-advised combination or partnership.
- The merger between the traditional company and the tech startup was seen by many as a corporate misalliance.
- Mésalliance (noun): A French-derived synonym with identical meaning, often used in English in similar contexts.
- The prince's marriage was deemed a mésalliance by the royal court.
- Mismatch: A pairing of people or things that are not suited to each other.
- Ill-assorted union: A partnership formed between poorly matched individuals or groups.
- Inappropriate alliance: A formal term for a partnership that is not suitable.
- Good match: A well-suited pairing.
- Suitable alliance: An appropriate and fitting partnership.
- an unsuitable alliance (especially with regard to marriage)