Definition

Noun: - Wrongful or unlawful conduct, especially by a public official: Malfeasance refers to an illegal or dishonest act, typically involving a violation of public trust or duty by someone in a position of authority.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The mayor was removed from office for malfeasance involving the misuse of city funds.
  • The investigation uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance that defrauded thousands of investors.
  • A public official can be impeached for acts of malfeasance.

Advanced Usage

• In a legal or formal context: The term is most commonly used in legal, political, and corporate contexts to describe serious misconduct.
  • The lawsuit alleged malfeasance by the company's board of directors.

Variants and Related Words

• Malfeasant (noun): A person who commits malfeasance.
  • The prosecutor sought to identify the malfeasant within the department.
• Malfeasant (adjective): Characterized by or involving malfeasance.
  • The committee investigated the malfeasant activities.

Synonyms

• Misconduct: Improper or unprofessional behavior.
• Wrongdoing: Illegal or dishonest behavior.
• Misfeasance (legal): The improper performance of a lawful act (a related but distinct legal term from malfeasance, which is the performance of an unlawful act).

Antonyms

• Probity: The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.
• Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

Noun

1. wrongful conduct by a public official