conflict of interest

noun phrase

: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

Examples of conflict of interest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And this includes the optics of a conflict of interest that flies in the face of the popular league that touts fair competition, Jarrett Bell writes. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 18 Oct. 2024 Some observers of and participants in the merger deliberations raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest on Phillips’ part due to his background at Oracle. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2024 With this conflict of interest, Benson opts to request a new partner at the episode’s close. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2024 Local officials say even the appearance of a conflict of interest is a problem. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conflict of interest 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conflict of interest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conflict of interest was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near conflict of interest

Cite this Entry

“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

conflict of interest

con·​flict of interest
ˈkän-ˌflikt-
1
: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
2
: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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