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

Egan previously said directors will discuss the upcoming search for a new superintendent and the district’s contract, travel and conflict of interest policies during the meeting, but little of the conversation took place in public. —Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026

The controversy comes after competitors of CMDSS challenged the initial decision by the Marshals Service to award the contract, claiming the firm lacked appropriate credentials from the SEC and that its employment of a former staffer from the agency created a conflict of interest. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026

Adding to the issues is a potential conflict of interest. —Natalie Leticia Gallón, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

Price has been charged with embezzlement, perjury and having a conflict of interest, by casting votes on real estate projects whose developers had hired his wife. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 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