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Malpractice: meaning, definitions and examples

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malpractice

 

[ˈmælˌpræktɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical

Improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner.

Synonyms

incompetence, misconduct, negligence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malpractice

Used mainly in professional settings to describe improper, illegal, or unethical behavior, often by a doctor or lawyer, leading to harm or damage.

  • The doctor was sued for medical malpractice after the surgery went wrong.
  • Legal malpractice can lead to severe consequences, including disbarment.
negligence

Implies a failure to take proper care, resulting in damage or harm, commonly used in legal and medical contexts.

  • The company was accused of negligence after the safety incident.
  • Due to his negligence, the patient did not receive the critical treatment in time.
misconduct

Refers to unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by an employee or a professional, that is in violation of rules or ethics.

  • The teacher was dismissed for professional misconduct.
  • The CEO faced allegations of misconduct after the internal audit.
incompetence

Describes the lack of ability, skill, or knowledge to perform a task effectively, often used in workplace or professional settings.

  • The project failed due to the manager's incompetence.
  • His incompetence in handling the machinery led to several delays.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor was sued for malpractice after the surgery went wrong.
  • Patients have the right to seek compensation for medical malpractice.
  • The hospital implemented new policies to prevent malpractice cases.
  • Malpractice insurance is essential for healthcare professionals.
  • Malpractice can lead to serious consequences for both the patient and the practitioner.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'mal-', a prefix from Latin meaning 'bad', and 'practice', which comes from the Greek word 'praktikos', meaning 'practical' or 'active'.
  • The language of law often borrowed from Latin, with many legal terms having roots in ancient languages.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, initially referring to poor performance in any profession before becoming more specialized.

Legal Context

  • Malpractice claims often arise in fields like medicine, law, and finance, highlighting the expectation of care from professionals.
  • In many jurisdictions, the burden of proof in a malpractice case lies with the plaintiff, meaning the injured party must prove the professional's negligence.
  • Malpractice insurance is common for professionals to protect against claims; without it, they risk significant financial loss.

Cultural Representation

  • Television shows often portray malpractice lawsuits, focusing on the drama that surrounds medical emergencies and legal battles.
  • Movies sometimes depict doctors facing malpractice suits, reflecting the real-world tensions between patient safety and medical error.
  • Public awareness of malpractice has increased due to media coverage, impacting how patients view medical professionals and their responsibilities.

Psychology

  • Victims of malpractice often experience significant psychological effects, including anxiety, guilt, and distrust toward medical professionals.
  • Understanding the emotional impact of malpractice can aid in better patient care and relationships between clients and professionals.
  • Many studies indicate that when trust is broken in professional settings, it can lead to long-term fear and avoidance behaviors in patients.

Statistics

  • Research shows that a significant percentage of malpractice lawsuits stem from communication failures rather than medical errors alone.
  • In the U.S., it is estimated that malpractice claims cost the healthcare system billions annually, influencing healthcare costs for everyone.
  • Around 1 in 3 doctors can expect to face a malpractice lawsuit at least once during their career, showing the prevalence of claims in the field.

Translations

Translations of the word "malpractice" in other languages:

🇵🇹 má prática

🇮🇳 कदाचार

🇩🇪 Fehlverhalten

🇮🇩 malpraktek

🇺🇦 професійна недбалість

🇵🇱 zaniedbanie zawodowe

🇯🇵 不正行為

🇫🇷 faute professionnelle

🇪🇸 mala práctica

🇹🇷 malpraktis

🇰🇷 부정행위

🇸🇦 سوء التصرف

🇨🇿 profesionální pochybení

🇸🇰 nedbanlivosť

🇨🇳 不当行为

🇸🇮 nepravilna praksa

🇮🇸 rangfærsla

🇰🇿 қате іс-әрекет

🇬🇪 არასწორი ქმედება

🇦🇿 səhv davranış

🇲🇽 mala práctica

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,514, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.