/ ˌmɪsˈhændl; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to deal badly with a problem or situation
SYN mismanage :
The entire campaign had been badly mishandled.
2.
to touch or treat sb/sth in a rough and careless way :
The equipment could be dangerous if mishandled.
► mis·hand·ling noun [ U ]:
the government's mishandling of the economy