misshapen
UK: ˌmɪsˈʃeɪ.pən | US: ˌmɪsˈʃeɪ.pən
adj. badly or unevenly shaped; deformed
adj. (figuratively) distorted or flawed in character or form
misshapen = mis<bad/wrong> + shapen<shaped>
- mis<bad/wrong>: A prefix of Old English origin, meaning "badly," "wrongly," or "incorrectly."
- shapen<shaped>: Derived from Middle English shapen, the past participle of shapen (to shape), from Old English scieppan. The modern equivalent is "shaped."
Etymology Origin:
The word "misshapen" emerged in Middle English (14th century) by combining the prefix mis- (denoting error or defect) with shapen, the archaic past participle of "shape." It originally described physical deformity but later extended to metaphorical distortions. The logic is straightforward: "badly shaped" → "deformed."
The potter discarded the misshapen vase after the kiln cracked it.
His misshapen hat drew curious glances from passersby.
The tree grew in a misshapen curve due to strong coastal winds.
Critics called the novel’s plot misshapen and disjointed.
Years of poor posture left her spine slightly misshapen.