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

Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges and has long denied any wrongdoing. —Alison Durkee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Apple did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, although some social media users interpreted the payout as confirmation of Apple using its voice assistant to spy on users. —Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 9 Jan. 2025

Jinger Duggar Vuolo's decision to speak out against wrongdoing hasn't always be positively received by those around her. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Trump initially pleaded not guilty and denied all wrongdoing. —Robert Legare, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2025

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