wrongdoer

noun

wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-ər 

: one that does wrong

especially : one who transgresses moral laws

Synonyms

• evildoer
• immoralist
• malefactor
• sinner

Examples of wrongdoer in a Sentence

anticorruption crusaders are going after wrongdoers at every level of the nation's government

Recent Examples on the Web

But, it can’t be ignored that there is a huge hole in the plan that would have been addressed by the Grieving Families Act; a reform to the state’s 1847 wrongful death law that holds wrongdoers accountable. —Phara Souffrant Forrest, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2024

Patient diplomacy to compel the Taliban to turn over wrongdoers is the better choice. —Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2022

If nothing else, Congress has the power to call that to light, to name and shame the wrongdoers. —Jesse Wegman, The Mercury News, 25 May 2024

My office is committed to vindicating victims throughout our community and ensuring that wrongdoers face justice. —Mark Osborne, ABC News, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

wrongdoer

noun

wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˈdü-ər 

: a person who does wrong and especially moral wrong

wrongdoing

-ˈdü-iŋ

noun

Legal Definition

wrongdoer

noun

wrong·​do·​er ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-ər 

: one (as a criminal or tortfeasor) who does wrong