What term refers to using someone else’s property for a purpose other than intended?

The term that accurately describes using someone else's property for a purpose other than intended is misappropriation. In a legal and financial context, misappropriation involves taking or using someone else's asset, typically a fund or resource, in a way that was not authorized or intended by the owner. This is often seen in scenarios where fiduciaries or agents have access to another person's property but divert it for personal use or gain, violating the trust and agreement established with the owner.

Understanding misappropriation is particularly important in the fields of law and finance because it not only breaches ethical standards but can also lead to significant legal consequences for the individual committing the act. The protection of property rights and the expectation that individuals will respect the intended use of property is fundamental in fostering trust within professional relationships.

Other terms mentioned have different meanings and contexts; for example, mismanagement involves poor handling of resources, misapplication refers to using funds inappropriately but typically within the bounds of the law, while misrepresentation involves providing false information or misleading statements. Each of these terms addresses different aspects of legality and ethics but does not specifically define the unauthorized use of someone else's property as does misappropriation.