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

The district has not publicly detailed the reason for King's termination, nor has Plano police accused her of any criminal wrongdoing. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Despite all this, Hillsborough retains a vibrancy and passion that helped keep the club going through the nadir of finishing on zero points in the Championship last season after being deducted 18 for financial wrongdoings. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

By May 2018, within six months of learning of Orndorff’s allegations, the Board of Review cleared Williams of wrongdoing and reinstated him to his $84,000 position as an AAU officer. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, ProPublica, 13 Aug. 2026

Elicker noted that wrongdoings by police do not involve anyone still with the police department. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 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