mischanneling

Sending somewhere incorrect

Mischanneling is directing something—energy, resources, emotions—into the wrong outlet or toward an unproductive end.

The word implies the effort itself isn't wasted, just misapplied: He mischanneled his anger into destructive habits rather than addressing the problem.

Also spelled mischannelling.

misdirection

misroute

Send off course

diversionRedirection of attention
redirectSend in new direction
misguideLead in wrong direction

astray · sidetrack · reroute · detour · misallocation · misplacement · misdelivery · wayward · off-course · derail

mismanagement

misallocation

Improper distribution of resources

misappropriationWrongful taking of entrusted assets
misuseImproper application
wasteUnwanted discarded material

squandering · maladministration · misdistribution · diversion · embezzlement · misspending · misapplication · inefficiency · leakage

miscommunication

misunderstanding

Failure to grasp meaning

misinterpretationIncorrect understanding of meaning
garbleDistort into confusion
confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment

ambiguity · distortion · noise · interference · disconnect · miscommunication · mishear · unintelligibility · static · scramble

Opposites

directional accuracy

mischannelinghitting the mark

Achieving intended result

Family

channel, channels, channeling, channeler, channeled, channelling, rechannel, multichannel, rechanneled

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G