wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
1
: evil or improper behavior or action
cleared of any wrongdoing
2
: an instance of doing wrong

Examples of wrongdoing in a Sentence

The corporation's wrongdoings must be exposed. a local newspaper exposed the contractor's elaborate attempts to cover up his wrongdoings
Recent Examples on the Web Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner, has pleaded innocent and denies wrongdoing. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Mar. 2024 Trump, the Republican presidential frontrunner, has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing. Jake Offenhartz, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Lee, who lives in Porter Ranch and was first elected in 2019, has denied wrongdoing. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Trump pleaded not guilty to those charges and denied any wrongdoing, while claiming he is protected by presidential immunity from federal criminal charges, an argument that will be considered by the Supreme Court. Brian Bushard, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Ferguson did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 During restraining order trials in Maryland, the respondent can accept the conditions of the petition — to stay away from people or places outlined by the petitioner — without admitting any guilt or wrongdoing. Katie Mettler, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The Duke of York, 64, has denied any wrongdoing and settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed amount in February 2022. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 But months into their impeachment probe, Republicans still have been unable to turn up any concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the president. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wrongdoing.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongdoing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near wrongdoing

Cite this Entry

“Wrongdoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongdoing. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun
wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior
denied any wrongdoing

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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