misfeasance

/mis'fi:zəns/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The performance of a lawful action in an improper, negligent, or wrongful manner: In law, "misfeasance" specifically refers to the improper or careless execution of a legal act or duty that one has the right or obligation to perform, resulting in harm to another.
Usage
  • "Misfeasance" is a formal, legal term. It is used to describe a specific type of misconduct where an individual or entity, while performing a legitimate act or duty, does so in a way that is negligent, unskillful, or wrongful, leading to damage or injury.
  • It is distinct from "nonfeasance" (failure to act) and "malfeasance" (the commission of an unlawful act).
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The city was sued for misfeasance after a poorly maintained public sidewalk caused a pedestrian to fall and break her leg.
    • The contractor was accused of misfeasance for using substandard materials while building the house, which he was legally contracted to do.
Advanced Usage
  • "Misfeasance in public office": A specific legal tort or offense where a public official lawfully exercises their power but does so improperly, with malice or negligence.
    • The investigation focused on potential misfeasance in public office by the licensing official.
Variants and Related Words
  • Misfeasor (n): A person who commits misfeasance.
    • The court found the architect to be a misfeasor.
Synonyms
  • Wrongful execution: Carrying out a task in a wrongful way.
  • Improper performance: Performing a duty improperly.
  • Negligent performance: Performing a duty with a lack of proper care.
Antonyms
  • Nonfeasance: Failure to perform a required duty or act.
  • Malfeasance: The commission of an act that is unequivocally illegal or wrongful.
Noun
  1. doing a proper act in a wrongful or injurious manner