malfeasance
mal-FEE-zuhns
/ˌmælˈfiː.zəns/
The performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law.
Specifically refers to wrongdoing by someone in a position of public trust or authority.
The story behind the word. A direct descendant of the Latin 'maleficentia', it combines 'mal' (bad) and 'facere' (to do). It entered English through the French 'malfaisance', maintaining its focus on 'bad doing' by those in power.
Word relationships
- misconduct: Misconduct is a general term for bad behavior, while malfeasance is a specific legal term for illegal acts by officials.
- probity: The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
Commonly confused with
- misfeasance: Misfeasance is performing a lawful act in an improper manner, whereas malfeasance is doing something inherently unlawful.
Word family
- malfeasant (adjective): Describing an official who commits wrongdoing.
Collocations
- official malfeasance
- corporate malfeasance
- charged with malfeasance
Example sentences
- "The governor was impeached following allegations of gross malfeasance in the awarding of state contracts." A political science textbook description.
- "The malfeasance of the colonial administration led to widespread civil unrest and calls for reform." A historical account of colonial rule.
Memory hook
Mal (bad) + Feasance (sounds like 'fees')—taking 'bad fees' or doing 'bad deeds'. Bad deeds by big leaders.
When not to use
Do not use for private individuals or low-level employees unless they hold a specific fiduciary or public duty.
Fun facts
- Malfeasance is the most serious of the three 'feasances'—the others being misfeasance and nonfeasance.
Explore more words
misconduct, impropriety, malpractice, nefarious, graft, Breach
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