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malfeasance
noun
mal·fea·sance
ˌmal-ˈfē-zᵊn(t)s
: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.
Examples of malfeasance in a Sentence
The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.
a campaign to impeach the governor for malfeasance in office
Recent Examples on the Web
An audit of Pinal County's voting systems found no evidence of malfeasance, despite his claims.
—Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
In cases of divided government, the legislature and executive oversee one another, raising a public alarm at any sign of malfeasance.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
He was previously charged with negligent homicide and two counts of malfeasance.
—Emily Palmer, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024
She’s never accused him of cheating, abuse, mistreatment, or any other malfeasance.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to malfeasance
Dictionary Entries Near malfeasance
Cite this Entry
“Malfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malfeasance. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
malfeasance
noun
mal·fea·sance
(ˈ)mal-ˈfēz-ᵊn(t)s
: wrongful conduct especially by a public official
Legal Definition
malfeasance
noun
mal·fea·sance
ˌmal-ˈfēz-ᵊns
: the commission (as by a public official) of a wrongful or unlawful act involving or affecting the performance of one's duties compare misfeasance, nonfeasance
Etymology
mal- bad + obsolete English feasance doing, execution, from Old French faisance, from fais-, stem of faire to make, do, from Latin facere
More from Merriam-Webster on malfeasance
Nglish: Translation of malfeasance for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of malfeasance for Arabic Speakers
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