1. to deal with or manage something badly or incorrectly
2. to touch or hold something roughly or carelessly

Examples

• The company mishandled the customer complaint and lost business.
• The coach was criticized for mishandling the team’s strategy.
• Please don’t mishandle the fragile equipment.
• The government mishandled the crisis response.
• She accused him of mishandling the important documents.
• The movers mishandled our furniture during the move.
• The situation was mishandled from the very beginning.