malfeasance

USAGE SUMMARY

"malfeasance" is a correct and usable word in written English.
The word means wrong or unlawful behavior. It is often used to refer to the misconduct of those in positions of authority in business, politics, or law. Example: The mayor was accused of malfeasance when evidence emerged of embezzlement from city funds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miller, an Army veteran whose chest was festooned with medals, looked education undersecretary Ted Mitchell in the eye and asked, "Do you have any honor and dignity?" Despite mounting evidence of malfeasance at the Corinthian chain and various criminal probes and lawsuits, over half a million students remain on the hook.

The Guardian - Opinion

In such an environment, the temptations for malfeasance are huge; the risks minimal – despite the SEC's big crackdown on insider trading.

The Guardian - Money

"Where have [Peta] been all these years?" Palin asked in a statement to NBC News, before suggesting the activists were hypocrites for having praised public figures previously accused of malfeasance toward animals.

The Guardian

Even worse, the SEAL parents' presser was described as "an effort … to corroborate the notion that the US government is 'as much responsible for the deaths of their sons as is the Taliban.'" If you're having trouble making the connection between administration malfeasance and the post-tragedy prayers of a civilian imam, well, SECRET MUSLIM MUCH?

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the contention of the administrator that Mr Nadir is liable to repay the sums concerned as a result of his fraud and/or breach of fiduciary duty and/or malfeasance as a director".

The Guardian - Business

And that's why there are no significant cases around Wall Street malfeasance: they're practically impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much of that information is provided by the banks themselves, since the SEC has a small budget and no resources to chase the thousands of instances of Wall Street malfeasance every day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Steinberg, whose lawyer and SAC both say are innocent of the charges, is likely a pawn in the government's game, no closer to jail time than any other Wall Streeter accused of malfeasance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Racial disadvantage, economic inequality, bankers' malfeasance and gay marriage are all big issues and, on pretty much all of them, her most loyal surrogate is on the wrong side of history.

The Guardian - Opinion

So politicians will be politicians, the calmer amongst you argued, and we should give Mr Rubio a break for trying not to offend anyone.In this case, I agree with the more vitriolic commenters who accused me of journalistic malfeasance.

The Economist

Most opposition parties say they will vote against the bill unless it contains safeguards against malfeasance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "malfeasance" when referring to specific acts of wrongdoing, especially by public officials or in corporate settings, that violate a trust or duty.

Common error

Avoid using "malfeasance" interchangeably with "malpractice". "Malpractice" refers specifically to professional negligence by a doctor, lawyer, or other professional, whereas "malfeasance" is a broader term for any wrongdoing, especially by a public official.

Linguistic Context

The noun "malfeasance" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to an act of wrongdoing, especially in official or corporate contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing misconduct or unlawful behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malfeasance" is a formal noun denoting wrongdoing, especially by public officials or in corporate settings. Ludwig AI confirms it to be a correct and usable term. The term is very common in news and business contexts and less frequent in academic discourse. When writing, use "malfeasance" to refer to violations of trust or duty and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "malpractice". Remember to consider the formal register of the term. By understanding its nuances, you can use "malfeasance" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

corporate wrongdoing

Indicates unethical or illegal actions within a business context.

misconduct in office

Specifically denotes improper behavior by an officeholder.

official misconduct

Specifically refers to wrongdoing by someone holding a public office or position of authority.

breach of duty

Focuses on the violation of a legal or ethical obligation.

professional negligence

Highlights a failure to provide a standard level of care in a professional setting, leading to harm.

dereliction of duty

Emphasizes the conscious and intentional failure to fulfill one's responsibilities.

abuse of power

Refers to the misuse of authority for personal gain or malicious purposes.

unethical behavior

Broadly describes actions that do not align with moral principles or accepted standards of conduct.

illegal activity

Focuses on actions that are specifically prohibited by law.

corruption

Implies dishonesty or fraudulent conduct, often involving bribery or embezzlement.

FAQs

How is "malfeasance" typically used in a sentence?

"Malfeasance" is often used to describe misconduct by public officials or corporations. For example, "The investigation revealed widespread "corporate wrongdoing" and "corruption"."

What are some synonyms for "malfeasance"?

Alternatives to "malfeasance" include "misconduct", "wrongdoing", "breach of duty", and "official misconduct" depending on the context.

Is "malfeasance" a formal or informal term?

"Malfeasance" is a formal term, best suited for legal, political, or business contexts. It is not commonly used in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "malfeasance" and "misfeasance"?

"Malfeasance" refers to doing something that is illegal or wrong, while "misfeasance" refers to improperly performing a legal act. "Dereliction of duty" is more aligned with "malfeasance", when comparing definitions.