Miscellaneous vs. Sundry — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
Miscellaneous encompasses varied, unrelated items, often grouped for convenience; sundry refers to an assortment of small, miscellaneous items of little value.
Difference Between Miscellaneous and Sundry
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "miscellaneous" is commonly used to describe a collection of items that do not necessarily share a common category but are grouped together for organizational purposes. Whereas, "sundry" typically refers to various small items, often of a similar type, that are too numerous or minor to mention individually.
In accounting, a "miscellaneous" expense category may include a wide range of unpredictable or non-recurring costs. On the other hand, "sundry" expenses are usually minor costs that are not classified under a regular expense category but are grouped together because of their incidental nature.
"Miscellaneous" is often used in broader contexts such as miscellaneous thoughts or miscellaneous files, encompassing a wide variety of subjects or formats. Sundry, however, is generally more limited in scope, dealing specifically with small, assorted items that are not worth categorizing separately.
When sorting items, "miscellaneous" can serve as a catch-all category for objects that don’t fit neatly into defined categories. In contrast, sundry items might be grouped together because they are all of small importance or similar small-scale nature.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Broad and varied
Narrow, often minor items
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Usage Context
General grouping
Specific, minor assortments
Common Applications
Documents, expenses, collections
Expenses, small items
Formality
Common in formal and informal use
Less formal, more colloquial
Implication of Value
Neutral towards value
Implies lesser value
Compare with Definitions
Miscellaneous
Relating to various unspecified objects or matters.
She packed a box with miscellaneous books and clothes.
Sundry
Minor, assorted.
His desk drawer is filled with sundry office supplies.
Miscellaneous
Consisting of a variety of elements or parts.
The drawer contained miscellaneous items like keys, pens, and old receipts.
Sundry
Less commonly used in formal context; more colloquial.
She mentioned sundry details about her trip.
Miscellaneous
Various, diverse, not limited to one category.
His interests are miscellaneous, ranging from astronomy to literature.
Sundry
Small, miscellaneous items of little individual value.
We purchased some sundry items for the office like paper clips and sticky notes.
Miscellaneous
Used to categorize non-specific, general items in accounts.
The company's ledger has a section for miscellaneous expenses.
Sundry
Often used to denote small expenditures.
The budget report includes a line for sundry expenses.
Miscellaneous
Serving as a catch-all term in descriptions.
The discussion covered miscellaneous topics related to health.
Sundry
Various; miscellaneous
A purse containing sundry items.
Miscellaneous
Consisting of various kinds; varied
A shelf containing miscellaneous objects.
Sundry
More than one or two but not very many; a number of, several.
Miscellaneous
Having a variety of characteristics or aspects
A website providing miscellaneous information.
Sundry
Of various types, especially when numerous; diverse, varied.
Miscellaneous
Consisting of a variety of ingredients or parts.
A miscellaneous pile of clothing, buttons, tools and other junk.
Sundry
Consisting of an assortment of different kinds; miscellaneous.
Miscellaneous
Having diverse characteristics, abilities or appearances.
Sundry
(archaic) Chiefly preceded by a number or an adjective like many: of two or more similar people or things: not the same as other persons or things of the same nature; different, distinct, separate. (Contrast sense 5.2.)
Miscellaneous
Mixed; mingled; consisting of several things; of diverse sorts; promiscuous; heterogeneous; as, a miscellaneous collection.
Sundry
(obsolete)
Miscellaneous
Constituting a grab-bag category;
The usual collection of miscellaneous expenses
Sundry
Relating to a single person or thing as opposed to more than one; individual, respective.
Miscellaneous
Consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity);
An arrangement of assorted spring flowers
Assorted sizes
Miscellaneous accessories
A mixed program of baroque and contemporary music
A motley crew
Sundry sciences commonly known as social
Sundry
Of a person or thing: not the same as something else; different. (Contrast sense 4.)
Sundry
Not attached or connected to anything else; physically separate.
Sundry
A minor miscellaneous item.
Sundry
A food item eaten as an accompaniment to a meal; a side dish; also, such an item eaten on its own as a light meal.
Sundry
Synonym of extra
Sundry
Various people or things; several.
Sundry
Synonym of asunder
Sundry
(archaic) Placed separately; apart.
Sundry
(obsolete) Individually, separately; sundrily.
Sundry
Several; divers; more than one or two; various.
With many a sound of sundry melody.
Sundry foes the rural realm surround.
Sundry
Separate; diverse.
Every church almost had the Bible of a sundry translation.
Sundry
Miscellaneous unspecified objects;
The trunk was full of stuff
Sundry
Consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity);
An arrangement of assorted spring flowers
Assorted sizes
Miscellaneous accessories
A mixed program of baroque and contemporary music
A motley crew
Sundry sciences commonly known as social
Sundry
Of various kinds, several.
The market sells sundry goods, from spices to handmade soaps.
Common Curiosities
What does "miscellaneous" imply in legal documents?
In legal contexts, "miscellaneous" refers to various provisions or clauses not specifically covered in other sections of the document.
What kind of items falls under "sundry" in retail?
In retail, sundry items might include small, everyday things like toiletries and snacks.
Why might someone use "sundry" instead of "miscellaneous"?
"Sundry" might be chosen for its connotation of smallness and triviality, emphasizing the minor nature of the items.
Can "miscellaneous" and "sundry" be used interchangeably?
While both can describe assorted items, "miscellaneous" is broader and more formal compared to the more colloquial and minor implication of "sundry."
What is a miscellaneous income?
Miscellaneous income includes earnings that do not fit into the standard categories of regular income sources.
How do "miscellaneous" and "sundry" differ in terms of value implication?
"Miscellaneous" is neutral about value, while "sundry" often implies lesser value.
Are there specific legal implications for using "sundry" in contracts?
"Sundry" is rarely used in formal contracts due to its informal tone and the minor nature it implies.
Are "sundry" expenses significant in budget planning?
Though individually minor, sundry expenses can collectively impact budget planning, especially if not monitored closely.
How are "sundry" expenses handled in accounting?
Sundry expenses are minor costs categorized together due to their incidental and infrequent nature.
What is an example of a "miscellaneous" category in everyday use?
A "miscellaneous" folder on a computer where various types of files are stored without specific categorization.
What sectors use "miscellaneous" most frequently?
"Miscellaneous" is widely used across various sectors including business, law, and personal organization.
What challenges can arise from misclassifying items as "miscellaneous" or "sundry"?
Misclassification can lead to organizational confusion, potentially obscuring the importance or value of the items.
Is "miscellaneous" used more commonly than "sundry"?
Yes, "miscellaneous" is more commonly used across different contexts, including formal writing and speech.
How should one categorize items that are neither miscellaneous nor sundry?
Items not fitting into these categories should be placed in more specific, clearly defined categories.
Can "miscellaneous" items include large, valuable objects?
Yes, "miscellaneous" can include items of any size and value, depending on the context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
