malpractice

mal·prac·tice

noun \ˌmal-ˈprak-təs\

Definition of MALPRACTICE

1

: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage

2

: an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance

Examples of MALPRACTICE

1. a surgeon accused of malpractice
2. Doctors need to have malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits.

First Known Use of MALPRACTICE

1671

Rhymes with MALPRACTICE

group practice, sharp practice

malpractice

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Negligence, misconduct, lack of ordinary skill, or breach of duty in the performance of a professional service (e.g., in medicine) that results in injury or loss. The plaintiff must usually demonstrate a failure by the professional to perform according to the field's accepted standards. Physicians, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals have increasingly been subject to malpractice suits in the U.S., causing a dramatic increase in malpractice insurance rates.