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

Cheng said at the time that she was told by her supervisor that employees of the Journal should not be seen as advocating for press freedom in a place like Hong Kong given a potential conflict of interest. — CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Critics say their private enterprise presents the appearance of a conflict of interest. — Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Hunter’s employment with the Colorado Education Association has been called a conflict of interest by district staff — concerns echoed by Gaytán in her email. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026

The photographs published by Page Six on April 7 and April 23 and by TMZ on April 23 indicate a relationship that puts The Athletic’s credibility in jeopardy and gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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