misallocation

noun

mis·​al·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌmis-ˌa-lə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce misallocation (audio)
plural misallocations
: the act or an instance of misallocating something (such as money or resources) : poor or improper allocation
misallocation of tax dollars
And there are many who would say that any interference with a free market system … inevitably results in misallocations of resources just because planners cannot be omniscient.R. Weiss et al.

Examples of misallocation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Excessively focusing on preparing for unknowns can also lead to resource misallocation or create a culture of undue caution. Ayo Adepoju, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 The primary issues facing this company highlighted by Jana are capital misallocation, a series of operational blunders and corporate governance failings. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2024 Direct transfers from the central government to local coffers risk misallocation or even outright embezzlement, limiting the practical effectiveness of household income transfers as a stimulus. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024 And Bitcoin’s Role Sound money imposes fiscal and behavioral restraints, improving economic calculation, reducing resource misallocation and correcting for malinvestment, both on an economic and cultural level. Ansel Lindner, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for misallocation 

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misallocation was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near misallocation

Cite this Entry

“Misallocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misallocation. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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