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 city clerk is typically responsible for administering the municipal election process, but Mendoza will need to recuse herself from those responsibilities given the conflict of interest. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

For-profit IRBs face a similar conflict of interest, Elliott said. — Angus Chen, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026

Check your employment contract and ensure your side hustle is not a conflict of interest with your full-time role. — Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Lawmakers also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving ICE's acting director and GEO Group. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 8 Aug. 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