malversation

/,mælvə:'seiʃn/

Thân thiện

A city official is caught in an act of malversation.

Definition

Noun: 1. Misconduct in public office; corrupt or fraudulent behavior by a person in a position of trust, especially a public official. This refers specifically to the violation of public trust through actions like embezzlement, bribery, or the mishandling of public funds or duties.

Usage

• The term is a formal, often legal, word used to describe serious ethical or criminal breaches by government officials, corporate officers, or others in fiduciary roles.
• It implies a betrayal of the responsibility entrusted to the individual.

Examples

• The senator was investigated for malversation after large sums of public money were unaccounted for.
• The audit revealed a shocking case of malversation within the city's housing department.
• His conviction for malversation ended his long political career.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a broader, more figurative sense to describe any serious mismanagement or corrupt handling of responsibilities, though this is less common.
  • The board accused the CEO of malversation of company assets.

Variants and Related Words

• Malversate (verb, archaic/rare): To engage in malversation.
• Malversator (noun): A person who commits malversation.

Synonyms

• Corruption
• Embezzlement (specifically for funds)
• Malfeasance (wrongdoing, especially by a public official)
• Misappropriation
• Fraud

Antonyms

• Integrity
• Probity
• Honesty
• Fiduciary responsibility (fulfilled)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be guilty of malversation: The standard legal phrasing for a formal accusation or finding of guilt.
  • The official was found guilty of malversation.

Học thuật

Noun

1. misconduct in public office