conflict of interest

noun phrase

: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

Examples of conflict of interest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bryant’s transition to co-managing director of Gensler's Detroit office represents a potential conflict of interest, and any overlap between his role at the city and private firm would be a certain conflict, said John Mogk, a Wayne State University Law school professor. —Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024

Justice Neil Gorsuch, who recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest, did not participate. —Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024

Last month, two prominent human rights organizations raised concerns over the potential involvement of the U.N. in the investigation, citing a possible conflict of interest. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Corporate governance expert Charles Elson said the Delaware court’s ruling was sound and in line with the law because Musk had violated conflict of interest regulations. —Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

conflict of interest

con·​flict of interest

ˈkän-ˌflikt-

1

: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

2

: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct