wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

1

: evil or improper behavior or action

cleared of any wrongdoing

2

: an instance of doing wrong

Synonyms

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

Examples of wrongdoing in a Sentence

The corporation's wrongdoings must be exposed.

a local newspaper exposed the contractor's elaborate attempts to cover up his wrongdoings

Recent Examples on the Web

This marked the first time the publisher admitted wrongdoing connected to the tabloid. —Simon Perry, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Biden said the pardons do not acknowledge any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be viewed as an admission of guilt. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025

After initially denying any wrongdoing, Wilson pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in October. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025

Khan has denied wrongdoing and insisted since his arrest in 2023 that all the charges against him are a plot by rivals to keep him from returning to office. —Munir Ahmed The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior

denied any wrongdoing