malpractice
mal-PRAK-tiss
/mælˈpræk.tɪs/
Improper, illegal, or negligent professional behavior or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner, lawyer, or accountant.
Specifically denotes professional negligence—failing to meet the standard of skill expected of a licensed professional.
The story behind the word. Coined in the late 17th century by combining Latin malus ('bad or wrongful') with 'practice'. It entered common law to describe bad practice or improper performance by doctors, lawyers, and trustees.
Word relationships
- misconduct: Misconduct covers general improper behavior, whereas malpractice specifically implies breach of professional standards.
- negligence: Negligence applies to any person owing a duty; malpractice is specialized negligence by a credentialed professional.
- competence: Competence is having the necessary ability and skill to perform professional work.
Commonly confused with
- malfeasance: Malfeasance is wrongdoing or misconduct by a public official; malpractice is professional negligence.
Word family
- malpractitioner (noun): One who engages in professional malpractice
Collocations
- medical malpractice
- legal malpractice
- malpractice insurance
- malpractice suit
Example sentences
- "The surgeon was sued for malpractice after misreading the diagnostic scan prior to the procedure." Medical law dispute
- "An attorney was disbarred following allegations of legal malpractice and misappropriation of client funds." Legal ethics investigation
Memory hook
MAL (bad) + PRACTICE = bad professional practice. Professional standards gone wrong.
When not to use
Do not use for general layperson carelessness; it requires a professional performing specialized duties.
Fun facts
- Most jurisdictions require doctors to carry professional malpractice insurance before granting hospital privileges.
Related words
Explore more words
misconduct, malfeasance, impropriety, negligent, profession, malfunction
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