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

Price, who has represented the district since 2013, faces a dozen felony charges, including grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest and perjury. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 May 2026

The nine-page motion to disqualify, filed on Thursday, argues that Pirro, along with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and other unnamed DOJ officials, have a conflict of interest that should bar them from participation in prosecuting Cole Allen. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

Whether or not there is intent, the perception of conflict of interest is real. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Mitchell resigned partway through his term in 2021 over conflict of interest concerns relating to his work with construction company RJ Leeper, which did business with the city. —Charlotte Observer, 7 May 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