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

Ethics experts say this constitutes a conflict of interest and that Kliger’s actions are a potential violation of federal ethics laws. —Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 29 Apr. 2025

Hunter was overseeing the case to avoid a conflict of interest with the Superior Court in Orange County, where Ferguson presided over criminal cases before the shooting. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The court order found a conflict of interest since the Attorney General’s Office previously provided legal advice on the grants to Health and Welfare. —Kyle Pfannenstiel, Idaho Statesman, 23 Apr. 2025

The official may abstain from the vote to avoid a conflict of interest, The Drive reported. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 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