wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

1

: evil or improper behavior or action

cleared of any wrongdoing

2

: an instance of doing wrong

Synonyms

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

Examples of wrongdoing in a Sentence

The corporation's wrongdoings must be exposed.

a local newspaper exposed the contractor's elaborate attempts to cover up his wrongdoings

Recent Examples on the Web

Rebecca Dmytryk, chief executive of Humane Wildlife Control, who has also accused Rizzo of wrongdoing, said she’s been pushing back on the practice in Torrance since about 2016. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024

Republicans said the audio was needed to pursue their long-running and wide-ranging impeachment investigation into Mr. Biden, even though Mr. Hur had cleared the president of criminal wrongdoing in the documents case, despite faulting his memory and handling of sensitive materials. —Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior

denied any wrongdoing