Wrongdoing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wrongdoing

[ˈrɒŋˌduɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in legal context

A wrong or improper act; an illegal, immoral, or unethical behavior.

Synonyms

malpractice, misconduct, misdeed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wrongdoing	General term for any action that is considered morally or legally wrong. The company was accused of wrongdoing in its financial dealings His wrongdoing was discovered by the authorities
misconduct	Refers to unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by someone in a position of authority or trust. The teacher was fired for professional misconduct The CEO was involved in corporate misconduct
malpractice	Specifically refers to improper, unethical, or negligent behavior by a professional, like a doctor or a lawyer. The doctor was sued for medical malpractice The lawyer faced disciplinary actions for malpractice
misdeed	A general term for any bad or wicked action, often less severe than a crime. He regretted his misdeed and apologized to everyone involved The politician's misdeeds eventually came to light

Examples of usage

He was accused of committing a serious wrongdoing.
She admitted her wrongdoing and apologized for her actions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in general context

An act that is not morally right or fair.

Synonyms

misbehavior, offense, transgression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wrongdoing	General term for any kind of immoral or illegal act. The CEO was accused of serious wrongdoing The committee is investigating allegations of wrongdoing
misbehavior	Refers to improper or unacceptable behavior, most commonly used when talking about children or in less formal situations. The teacher didn't tolerate any misbehavior in her classroom The player's misbehavior led to a penalty
transgression	Usually refers to a violation of a moral or ethical principle, often with a strong connotation of wrongdoing. His transgression against the laws of the company led to his dismissal The story focuses on the character's transgression and quest for redemption
offense	Used when referring to a breach of law or a rule; can imply legal consequences. Often used in legal contexts. He committed a serious traffic offense Lying under oath is considered a criminal offense

Examples of usage

He realized his wrongdoing and tried to make amends.
We should always strive to correct our wrongdoings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that people who engage in wrongdoing often rationalize their behavior to align it with their self-image.
Guilt and shame are common emotions linked to wrongdoing, impacting mental health and relationships.
Moral development theories suggest children learn concepts of right and wrong through social interactions and consequences.

Historical Context

Throughout history, societies have established laws and norms to define wrongdoing, influencing legal systems.
The concept of wrongdoing has been pivotal in shaping moral philosophies, such as those proposed by Aristotle and Kant.
Major movements, like civil rights, highlighted societal wrongdoings, challenging unjust laws and practices.

Literature

Many classic novels explore themes of wrongdoing, such as in 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky, which examines guilt and redemption.
Shakespeare's plays often depict characters grappling with their wrongdoings, leading to tragic consequences.
Fables and moral stories frequently use wrongdoings to teach lessons about honesty, integrity, and accountability.

Pop Culture

Television dramas often revolve around characters facing the consequences of their wrongdoing, highlighting moral dilemmas.
Films like 'The Shawshank Redemption' focus on themes of injustice and the broader implications of one’s actions.
Music frequently addresses the idea of wrongdoing, with artists exploring their regrets and moral conflicts in lyrics.

Origin of 'wrongdoing'

Main points about word origin

The word 'wrongdoing' is derived from the Old English word 'wrang,' meaning twisted or not straight.
Combining 'wrong' with 'doing' traces back to the early 14th century when it began to denote harmful actions.
In many languages, the concept of 'wrong' has similar roots tied to morality and ethics.

The word 'wrongdoing' originated from the combination of 'wrong' and 'doing' in the late Middle English period. It has been used to describe acts that are considered inappropriate, illegal, or unethical. The concept of wrongdoing has been a central theme in moral and legal discussions throughout history, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and accountability.