misemploy
Definitions
To use something for the wrong purpose or in an inappropriate manner.
To make poor or ineffective use of someone's skills or talents.
Examples
The manager tended to misemploy his most talented staff by assigning them to tedious administrative tasks.
It is a tragedy to misemploy such vast natural resources when they could be used to benefit the entire community.
Synonyms
misuse abuse mishandle misapply waste squander misappropriate