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 White House has denied any financial conflict of interest. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 July 2026

Consider whether the target audience will view it as an example of your versatility and work ethic, or a distraction and conflict of interest. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

His indictment this past fall also includes three misdemeanor counts of participating in a government decision while having a conflict of interest. — Corey Schmidt july 6, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

The White House disputed any notion of a conflict of interest in comments to the Washington Examiner. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 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