wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

1

: evil or improper behavior or action

cleared of any wrongdoing

2

: an instance of doing wrong

Synonyms of wrongdoing

• crime
• violation
• sin

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

Xuan and Zhang, who have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing through their attorneys, were ordered held in lieu of $20 million bail. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Advocacy groups, unions and other due diligence bodies are only advancing in their capabilities and capacity to root out wrongdoing. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

All seven fraternity brothers named in the civil lawsuit have denied wrongdoing and no criminal charges have been filed in the case. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Gaetz had left office by the time the report was released and denied wrongdoing. — CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior

denied any wrongdoing