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 measure stated that McIver's service on the House Homeland Security Committee is a conflict of interest. —Jenna Sundel jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

His minority interest in the Raiders presents a clear conflict of interest that at least subconsciously likely curtails his willingness to criticize, at least to an extent. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025

Does the source of the claim have a conflict of interest? —Sam Wineburg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025

While both were later cleared by the Fed's in-house watchdog of wrongdoing, the central bank's Inspector General nevertheless said their trading created the appearance of a conflict of interest. —Michael S. Derby, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025

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