悪用

• Reading: あくよう
• Romaji: akuyou
• Kanji breakdown: 悪 (aku/waru) — evil, bad; 用 (you) — use, application
• Pronunciation: /a.kɯ.joː/

Meaning

Abuse; misuse; exploitation. Using something in a harmful or unintended way.

A noun and suru-verb (悪用する). Describes misusing a privilege, technology, power, or legal loophole for harmful or self-serving purposes. Frequently appears in news contexts about data misuse, system vulnerabilities, or authority abuse. Distinct from 乱用 (overuse/abuse), which emphasises excess rather than malicious intent.

Examples

1. 個人情報が悪用されないよう厳重に管理する必要がある。 Personal information must be strictly managed to prevent misuse.
2. 彼は職権を悪用して私腹を肥やした。 He abused his authority to line his own pockets.
3. このシステムの脆弱性が悪用される前に対処しなければならない。 We must address this system's vulnerability before it can be exploited.

Usage Guide

Context: cybersecurity, law, politics, ethics

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 悪 (aku/waru) means bad or evil, 用 (you) means use or application. Together: 'evil use.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal