conflict of interest

noun phrase

: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

Examples of conflict of interest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

DeWine, however, said BCI is the best agency to conduct investigations into in-custody deaths, especially if there is a conflict of interest or potential criminal behavior. —Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 27 Dec. 2024

And the best among them take steps to avoid conflict of interest or the appearance of collusion and favoritism. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024

That conflict of interest won’t stop me from saying that LGBTQ+ journalism is pretty cool, actually, and deserves your support now more than ever. —Fran Tirado, Them, 20 Dec. 2024

In the Georgia case, a key legal question in the proceedings has been whether state law requires the disqualification of a district attorney only for an actual conflict of interest or merely just the appearance of impropriety. —Sam Gringlas, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

conflict of interest

con·​flict of interest

ˈkän-ˌflikt-

1

: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

2

: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct