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Definitions

misfit

[mis-fit, mis-fit, mis-fit, mis-fit] / mɪsˈfɪt, mɪsˈfɪt, ˈmɪsˌfɪt, ˈmɪsˌfɪt /
NOUN
nonconformist
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bohemian dissenter dropout eccentric freak oddball outsider weirdo
STRONG
beatnik dissident individualist loser offbeat
WEAK
different breed fish out of water lone wolf odd man out

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for misfit?
A misfit is someone or something that doesn’t fit in or belong. A person who’s considered a misfit is usually someone who’s different from everyone else, often in a specific situation, but sometimes in general. Some synonyms for misfit, such as oddball and weirdo, can imply that not fitting in is a bad thing. The word freak is even more negative. However, all of these words can also be used in an affectionate way, and some people even apply them to themselves as a way to take pride in being different. A term that’s usually positive is individualist. (See the next section on whether misfit is a negative word.) Calling someone a misfit can imply that they are an eccentric, but in a group of eccentrics, the “normal” one would be the misfit. The word outsider implies that a person does not belong because they are from “outside” the group in some way. The term odd man out can mean the same thing (despite its use of man, it’s often used regardless of gender). ​​The word misfit can also be applied to things. A more neutral synonym sometimes used in the context of things that don’t fit in is outlier. Misfit is sometimes specifically used to refer to a piece of clothing that’s ill-fitting—one that doesn’t fit.
Is misfit a negative word?
Misfit is most commonly used in a negative way—calling someone a misfit highlights the ways they’re different from others, often as if it’s a bad thing. Still, like some of its synonyms, misfit can be used positively as a way of saying that being different is a good thing. For example, people might refer to themselves as misfits to highlight their individuality, or you might refer to your group of friends as a band of misfits as a way of celebrating how different and interesting you all are. Applying the word misfit to yourself or others can also be positive when everyone else around is the same in a way that’s considered bad. In other words, being a misfit is a good thing when “fitting in” means not being a good person.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She knew what “The Muppet Show” star symbolized and recognized what she meant to her misfit youngest, a zaftig kid frequently chided for taking up too much space.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

Anyone who’s ever felt like an oddball or unappreciated genius will identify with the misfit Mitchells and their pet Monchi, who appears to be more goblin than dog.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

It tells the story of Mitchell's puzzle-writing misfit John Taylor, who agrees to impersonate his missing twin James in order to help his wife Lucy solve the mystery of his disappearance.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Like Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Gabriel is a bit of a woebegone misfit in a long coat who needs assistance from the humans he is supposed to be assisting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

I’m sure she solaced herself by being convinced that some misfit Maingault or Mortemar had got mixed up with the lodge-keeper’s daughter.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner