malpractice
noun
mal·prac·tice
ˌmal-ˈprak-təs 
1
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage
2
: an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance
Examples of malpractice in a Sentence
a surgeon accused of malpractice
Doctors need to have malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits.
Recent Examples on the Web
It has been triggered by 25-years of being lost in the wilderness as a franchise, a result of neglect, or malpractice.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
If the appeal is unsuccessful, expect Dr. Olson and his insurer to seek a settlement rather than face the exorbitant amounts often awarded to professional athletes by juries in medical malpractice cases.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Since 2017, Florida has had no caps on pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice suits because the Florida Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
The lawsuit, which accuses the defendants of excessive force and medical malpractice, is asking for an undetermined amount in damages.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for malpractice
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Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
If the appeal is unsuccessful, expect Dr. Olson and his insurer to seek a settlement rather than face the exorbitant amounts often awarded to professional athletes by juries in medical malpractice cases.
—Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Since 2017, Florida has had no caps on pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice suits because the Florida Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
The lawsuit, which accuses the defendants of excessive force and medical malpractice, is asking for an undetermined amount in damages.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for malpractice
Cite this Entry
“Malpractice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malpractice. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
malpractice
noun
mal·prac·tice
(ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs
: violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct
Medical Definition
malpractice
1 of 2 noun
mal·prac·tice
(ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an accepted degree of professional skill or learning by a physician rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage
malpractice
2 of 2 intransitive verb
malpracticed; malpracticing
: to engage in or commit malpractice
Legal Definition
malpractice
noun
mal·prac·tice
ˌmal-ˈprak-təs
: negligence, misconduct, lack of ordinary skill, or a breach of duty in the performance of a professional service (as in medicine) resulting in injury or loss
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