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

Howell’s resignation came amid scrutiny triggered not only by the FBI’s investigation into financial misconduct involving OneTeam Partners — the licensing entity co-owned by the NFLPA and MLBPA — but also by concerns over a conflict of interest. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026

Kevin Mohatt | Reuters Democratic senators flagged conflict of interest concerns over the involvement of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's former firm, Cantor Fitzgerald, in a deal with critical minerals startup USA Rare Earth. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026

Robinson's attorneys argue that Chad Grunander, a deputy county attorney working on the case, has a conflict of interest because his adult daughter was in the audience when Kirk was shot. —ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

Investors can enrich themselves from the profits, but are usually unable to sit on the board or elect board members due to a conflict of interest. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Feb. 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