Malfeasance: meaning, definitions and examples
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malfeasance
[ mælˈfiːzəns ]
legal term
Wrongdoing, especially by a public official. The performance of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law.
Synonyms
corruption, misconduct, wrongdoing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
malfeasance |
Use this word when referring to illegal or dishonest activities, especially by a public official or someone in a position of authority.
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misconduct |
This term is used for inappropriate or unacceptable behavior, especially in a professional setting. It can be less severe than 'malfeasance' or 'corruption'.
|
corruption |
This word is suitable when talking about the misuse of power or position for personal gain, often involving bribery or fraud. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
wrongdoing |
This is a broad term that can refer to any morally or legally wrong behavior. It is less specific than the other terms and can be used in various contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- His malfeasance as a government official led to his impeachment.
- The investigation uncovered evidence of financial malfeasance within the company.
Translations
Translations of the word "malfeasance" in other languages:
🇵🇹 má conduta
🇮🇳 दुराचार
🇩🇪 Fehlverhalten
🇮🇩 penyalahgunaan wewenang
🇺🇦 зловживання службовим становищем
🇵🇱 nadużycie
🇯🇵 不正行為
🇫🇷 malversation
🇪🇸 malversación
🇹🇷 yolsuzluk
🇰🇷 직권 남용
🇸🇦 سوء التصرف
🇨🇿 přečin
🇸🇰 zneužitie právomoci
🇨🇳 渎职
🇸🇮 zloraba
🇮🇸 misbeiting
🇰🇿 қызмет бабын теріс пайдалану
🇬🇪 სამსახურებრივი უფლებამოსილების ბოროტად გამოყენება
🇦🇿 vəzifə səlahiyyətlərindən sui-istifadə
🇲🇽 malversación
Etymology
The word 'malfeasance' comes from the French 'mal' (bad) and 'faire' (to do), directly translating to 'bad doing'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to wrongful or illegal actions, especially in the context of public officials or corporate misconduct.