malfeasance
What does "malfeasance" mean?
Malfeasance refers to the performance of an illegal or dishonest act, especially by a public official or someone in a position of authority. The mental image is of someone intentionally breaking the rules or abusing their power to achieve a corrupt outcome, rather than simply making a mistake. It is a legalistic term rarely used in casual conversation. You will most often encounter it in news reports concerning government corruption, corporate scandals, or ethical breaches within professional organizations. It implies a high degree of culpability and deliberate wrongdoing.
"malfeasance" in conversation
Discussing a political scandal
Did you see the report on the mayor?
Did you see the report on the mayor?
Yes, it sounds like clear malfeasance to me.
Yes, it sounds like clear malfeasance to me.
Used to describe official misconduct.
A corporate meeting
We need to ensure no one is accused of financial malfeasance.
We need to ensure no one is accused of financial malfeasance.
Understood, we are auditing all the accounts now.
Understood, we are auditing all the accounts now.
Used to emphasize the gravity of professional misconduct.
"malfeasance" in a sentence
The official was fired for malfeasance.
The official was fired for malfeasance.
The board of directors is investigating allegations of corporate malfeasance.
The board of directors is investigating allegations of corporate malfeasance.
His tenure was marred by accusations of systemic malfeasance and bribery.
His tenure was marred by accusations of systemic malfeasance and bribery.
