wrongful conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

'wrongful conduct' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an official-sounding phrase that generally implies that a person has acted in an immoral or unethical way, or has broken a law or regulation. For example, you could say: "The judge found the defendant guilty of wrongful conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There is no excuse for my wrongful conduct".

The New York Times

"We came in here focused on basic principles and wrongful conduct," Ms. Estrich said.

The New York Times

Despite the payment, Glaxo expressly denied that it had engaged in any wrongful conduct.

The New York Times

In that settlement, Merck expressly denied that it engaged in wrongful conduct.

The New York Times

The settlements usually do not require the defendants to admit any wrongful conduct.

The New York Times

"Mr. Gansman did not participate in any wrongful conduct whatsoever," said his attorney, Barry Bohrer.

The New York Times

Garfield DeMarco denied any wrongful conduct and said he expected the land sale to be upheld.

The New York Times

Plaintiffs' lawyers like to argue that class actions are essential to provide compensation and deter wrongful conduct.

The New York Times

For some, religion provides an essential source of guidance both about what constitutes wrongful conduct and the degree to which those who assist others in committing wrongful conduct themselves bear moral culpability".

The New Yorker

In his legal papers, Mr. Yontef said he approached Mr. Kushner's sister, Esther Schulder, about "Charles's wrongful conduct".

The New York Times

"The C.I.A.'s wrongful conduct in this case continues under the present administration," said Scott Gilbert, a Washington lawyer representing the Olson brothers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "wrongful conduct". It is often found in legal documents, news reports, and formal discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "wrongful conduct" in casual conversation; simpler terms like "misbehavior" or "bad actions" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrongful conduct" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes actions considered immoral, unethical, or illegal. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wrongful conduct" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that refers to unethical, immoral, or illegal actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news reports, legal documents, and academic discussions. While versatile, it's best suited for formal contexts and should be used judiciously in casual conversation. Related phrases include "misconduct", "malfeasance", and "impropriety", each with subtle differences in meaning. When using "wrongful conduct", it's crucial to consider the specific context and ensure it accurately reflects the severity and nature of the actions being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misconduct

Implies a breach of ethical or professional standards, often less severe than "wrongful conduct".

unethical behavior

Focuses on the violation of ethical principles.

malfeasance

Refers to wrongdoing, especially by a public official.

illegal activity

Specifically refers to actions that are against the law.

impropriety

Suggests a lack of appropriateness or ethical behavior.

unlawful actions

Similar to illegal activity, but can encompass a broader range of non-compliant behaviors.

transgression

Indicates a violation of a law, command, or moral principle.

delinquency

Often used in the context of minor offenses or failures in duty.

corrupt practices

Suggests dishonesty and abuse of power, often for personal gain.

nefarious deeds

Emphasizes the wickedness and immorality of the actions.

FAQs

How is "wrongful conduct" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "wrongful conduct" /s/wrongful+conduct often refers to actions that violate laws or regulations, potentially leading to civil or criminal liability.

What are some common synonyms for "wrongful conduct"?

Common synonyms include "misconduct", "malfeasance", and "impropriety", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "wrongful conduct" a formal or informal term?

"Wrongful conduct" is a formal term, best suited for legal, professional, or academic writing. Using it in casual conversation may sound unnatural.

How does "wrongful conduct" differ from "illegal activity"?

"Illegal activity" specifically refers to actions that violate the law, while "wrongful conduct" can also encompass actions that are unethical or morally wrong, even if not strictly illegal.