misdemeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'misdemeanor' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a legal term that can be used to refer to a criminal offense, usually one that is less serious than a felony. For example, “The defendant was charged with a misdemeanor for theft.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After serving two and a half years in prison, Church is currently on parole after he and his co-defendants were found not guilty in 2014 of terrorism-related offenses but guilty of lesser charges of possessing an incendiary device and the misdemeanor of "mob action".

The Guardian

Petraeus pleaded guilty in March in a federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information.

The Guardian

Human Rights Watch estimates that in Georgia alone private-probation companies rake in around $40m in fees each year (and remember, these are fees paid by people who could not pay a simple misdemeanor fine in the first place), but the fact is nobody really knows.And if Georgia's legislature has its way, nobody ever will.

The Economist

In August he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

The Economist

They added police are yet to determine whether Mr Szumczyk committed a misdemeanor for an alleged 'tasteless incident'.Antoni Pawlak, spokesman for Gdansk's mayor said the rape of women by soldiers was one of many subjects that have been swept under the carpet in Polish history.

The Economist

The bill would make unauthorised streaming of copyrighted material for profit a felony (instead of the misdemeanor it is today), with a penalty of up to five years in prison.

The Economist

The system is inefficient, unpredictable, and occasionally senselessly punitive, and it saps the effort to secure the border against serious crimes (crossing illegally is only a misdemeanor, and being in the United States without papers is a civil violation).

The Economist

In fact there was a 71% increase in misdemeanor criminal trespass.

The Economist

Any violation of this law will count as a class C misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $300, still rather low.Ms Menkin hopes the amendment will have an impact on breeders not only in Missouri, but other states as well.

The Economist

A similar offense, known as "misdemeanor criminal trespass", is not.

The Economist

In November Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault and was sentenced to two years' probation, a fine, and 80 hours of community service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, always verify the specific definition of "misdemeanor" within the relevant jurisdiction, as penalties and classifications can vary.

Common error

Avoid using "misdemeanor" and "felony" interchangeably. A "misdemeanor" is a less serious crime, often punishable by fines or short jail terms, while a felony carries more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.

Linguistic Context

The word "misdemeanor" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a type of criminal offense that is less severe than a felony. Ludwig confirms its use as a standard legal term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "misdemeanor" is a noun used to denote a less serious crime, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and very common in legal and journalistic contexts. As a legal term it's crucial to use it correctly; it is important to know its definition within the relevant jurisdiction. Ludwig highlights its presence in sources like The Economist, The Independent, and The New Yorker. Common alternatives include "minor offense" and "petty crime", but their interchangeability depends on the specific context. The expert rating is high, reflecting the term's consistent and accurate usage across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor offense

Focuses on the severity of the crime being less significant.

petty crime

Emphasizes the trivial nature of the criminal act.

summary offense

Highlights the procedural aspect of being handled quickly in court.

lesser charge

Indicates a reduction from a more serious accusation.

infraction

Refers to a violation of a rule or law that is not severely punished.

regulatory violation

Specifically points to breaches of established regulations.

non-felony crime

Excludes crimes classified as felonies, thus defining a lower category.

traffic violation

Specifically deals with breaches of traffic laws.

civil infraction

Suggests a violation addressed in civil rather than criminal court.

technical violation

Emphasizes that the violation is based on a technicality rather than serious intent.

FAQs

What is the difference between a "misdemeanor" and a felony?

A "misdemeanor" is a less serious crime, typically punishable by fines or short jail terms. A felony is a more serious crime that carries more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.

What are some examples of acts that might be classified as a "misdemeanor"?

Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft, simple assault, trespassing, and driving under the influence (DUI), depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

What can I say instead of "misdemeanor"?

You can use alternatives like "minor offense", "petty crime", or "lesser charge" depending on the context.

Is crossing the border illegally a felony or a "misdemeanor"?

According to Ludwig, crossing the border illegally is only a "misdemeanor", and being in the United States without papers is a civil violation.