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

The report also found a significant potential conflict of interest issue, regarding one of its board members, who owns underdeveloped property in the district. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026

The lead author also disclosed a conflict of interest, an ownership stake in a management company serving an aesthetics clinic that doesn’t offer NAD+ infusions. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

The lead author disclosed a conflict of interest involving an ownership stake in a management company that serves an aesthetics clinic, though that clinic doesn’t offer NAD+ infusions. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

The conflict of interest law bans anyone from giving or offering anything worth $50 or more to a public employee to influence an official act. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conflict of interest

• noninterest

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