wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
1
: evil or improper behavior or action
cleared of any wrongdoing
2
: an instance of doing wrong

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump supporters, including former White House chief political strategist Steve Bannon and Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, have implored Trump to take his campaign against lawfare even further by appointing a special prosecutor to investigate any wrongdoing. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025 An official referral indicating possible, but unproven, wrongdoing by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, was made public Wednesday by the U.S. House Ethics Committee. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025 Trump tried to remove officials who could save federal workers' jobs Susan Schurman, a professor of labor relations at Rutgers University, said there are significantly fewer resources at the Department of Labor compared to the number of unionized firms and unions where wrongdoing may be occurring. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 29 May 2025 The wrongdoing dates to February 2022, with the case delayed in part because of COVID-19. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for wrongdoing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongdoing was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wrongdoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongdoing. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun
wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior
denied any wrongdoing

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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