malfeasance

noun

mal·​fea·​sance ˌmal-ˈfē-zᵊn(t)s 

: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official

The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.

Synonyms

• misbehavior
• misconduct
• misdoing
• wrongdoing

Examples of malfeasance in a Sentence

The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.

a campaign to impeach the governor for malfeasance in office

Recent Examples on the Web

An audit of Pinal County's voting systems found no evidence of malfeasance, despite his claims. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

In cases of divided government, the legislature and executive oversee one another, raising a public alarm at any sign of malfeasance. —Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024

He was previously charged with negligent homicide and two counts of malfeasance. —Emily Palmer, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

She’s never accused him of cheating, abuse, mistreatment, or any other malfeasance. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

malfeasance

noun

mal·​fea·​sance (ˈ)mal-ˈfēz-ᵊn(t)s 

: wrongful conduct especially by a public official

Legal Definition

malfeasance

noun

mal·​fea·​sance ˌmal-ˈfēz-ᵊns 

: the commission (as by a public official) of a wrongful or unlawful act involving or affecting the performance of one's duties compare misfeasance, nonfeasance

Etymology

mal- bad + obsolete English feasance doing, execution, from Old French faisance, from fais-, stem of faire to make, do, from Latin facere