malfeasance
Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official or corporate leader.
Malfeasance specifically refers to an illegal or dishonest act committed by someone in an official capacity. It is distinct from 'misfeasance' (doing a lawful act in an improper way) and 'nonfeasance' (failing to act when one should).
Word relationships
- misconduct: Misconduct is a general term for improper behavior, while malfeasance is a more formal, legal term specifically implying illegal acts by an official.
- wrongdoing: Wrongdoing is a broad, everyday term for bad behavior, whereas malfeasance has a distinct legal and professional connotation.
- beneficence: Beneficence is the practice of doing good or acts of charity, which is the moral opposite of malfeasance.
- compliance: Compliance is the act of obeying rules and laws, which prevents malfeasance.
Commonly confused with
- misfeasance: Misfeasance is performing a lawful action in an improper or negligent manner, whereas malfeasance is performing an action that is inherently unlawful or wrongful.
Word family
- malfeasant (noun): A person who commits a wrongful or unlawful act, especially an official.
Collocations
- corporate malfeasance
- official malfeasance
- allegations of malfeasance
- investigate malfeasance
Example sentences
- "The independent investigation uncovered widespread financial malfeasance, leading to the arrest of several high-ranking city officials." A news report on a political scandal.
- "The company's shareholders filed a lawsuit alleging corporate malfeasance and breach of contract by the executive board." A corporate lawsuit summary.
Memory hook
Think of 'mal' (bad, like malevolent or malfunction) and 'feasance' (which sounds like performance). Malfeasance is a 'bad performance' or illegal act by an official. Bad performance by an official.
When not to use
Do not use malfeasance to describe minor personal mistakes or casual bad behavior. It is reserved for serious, often illegal, abuses of official power or professional duty.
Fun facts
- The opposite of malfeasance in legal history is 'feasance' (the execution of an obligation), but this positive form is rarely used today outside of specialized legal texts.
Explore more words
misconduct, impropriety, malpractice, nefarious, graft, Breach
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