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

Declared indigent, he was represented by a series of Broward public defenders until the office asked to be removed from the case, citing a conflict of interest. —Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026

Bankruptcy documents flagged the conflict of interest as a key factor in the chain’s collapse. —Rita Omokha, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions that his opponent claims create a conflict of interest. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Brady — who was the deputy superintendent at the House of Correction in Dedham — was previously accused by the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission of violating the conflict of interest law for the home repairs. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 June 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