malpractice

noun

mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
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
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.
Now, the woman is suing the Mount Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee, renamed Aurora Sinai after it was purchased in 1992, accusing it of medical malpractice because the feeding tube unknowingly remained in her body for 35 years, the lawsuit said. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025 Lawmakers, economists and business groups widely criticized the tariffs, characterizing them as economic malpractice. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025 With Khan's supporters rallying for his release and claiming electoral malpractice, the decision could exacerbate political unrest in Pakistan. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 Custody of his son also meant Li had control over a valuable trust fund set up for Arik’s care following a medical malpractice suit. Liam Quinn, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for malpractice

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malpractice was in 1671

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malpractice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malpractice. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct

Medical Definition

malpractice

1 of 2 noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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