Meaning & Definition of word "Misbegotten"

Misbegotten

/ˌmɪsbɪˈɡɒtən/

adjective:

  • 1. Born of parents who are not married to each other; illegitimate.
    • Example: He grew up feeling the weight of being a misbegotten child in a strict family.
  • 2. Having an improper or illegal origin.
    • Example: The misbegotten venture was fraught with ethical concerns and questionable practices.
  • 3. Poorly conceived or ill-fated; badly thought out.
    • Example: The plan to build the skyscraper in that location was a misbegotten idea.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

illegitimate:

Not recognized as lawful offspring.

misfortune:

Bad luck or an unfortunate condition.

Slang Meanings of misbegotten

Meaning: A messed-up situation or idea.

Example Sentence: That whole business plan was a misbegotten mess.

Meaning: A person from a dysfunctional or troubled background.

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