Misbegotten

/ˌmɪsbɪˈɡɒtən/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Born of parents who are not married to each other; illegitimate.

He grew up feeling the weight of being a misbegotten child in a strict family.

Having an improper or illegal origin.

The misbegotten venture was fraught with ethical concerns and questionable practices.

Poorly conceived or ill-fated; badly thought out.

The plan to build the skyscraper in that location was a misbegotten idea.

Middle English, from 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and 'begotten', past participle of 'beget'.

misbegotten scheme

A plan that is poorly thought out or has little chance of success.

misbegotten youth

A young person who is considered to have a troubled or disadvantageous background.

illegitimate

Not recognized as lawful offspring.

misfortune

Bad luck or an unfortunate condition.

A messed-up situation or idea.

That whole business plan was a misbegotten mess.

A person from a dysfunctional or troubled background.

He's a bit of a misbegotten soul, but he's got a good heart.