malfeasance

noun

mal·​fea·​sance ˌmal-ˈfē-zᵊn(t)s How to pronounce malfeasance (audio)
: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.

Examples of malfeasance in a Sentence

The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance. a campaign to impeach the governor for malfeasance in office
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The measure expands the crime of malfeasance in office, which is punishable with up to 10 years in jail. Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025 Also of concern, endorsing conventions have sometimes descended into chaos, rancor and accusations of malfeasance, and the cost and complication involved with hosting conventions have discouraged volunteers. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 12 June 2025 The malfeasance continues many years of decline when Gloria was also responsible as a city councilman, serving for eight years from 2008 to 2016, including a stint as interim mayor after the resignation of Bob Filner in 2013. Ted Levis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025 Sterling Williams, 33, was hit with 10 counts of principle to simple escape and one count of malfeasance in office, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a press release. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for malfeasance

Word History

Etymology

mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malfeasance was in 1663

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Cite this Entry

“Malfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malfeasance. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

malfeasance

noun
mal·​fea·​sance (ˈ)mal-ˈfēz-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce malfeasance (audio)
: wrongful conduct especially by a public official

Legal Definition

malfeasance

noun
mal·​fea·​sance ˌmal-ˈfēz-ᵊns How to pronounce malfeasance (audio)
: the commission (as by a public official) of a wrongful or unlawful act involving or affecting the performance of one's duties compare misfeasance, nonfeasance
Etymology

mal- bad + obsolete English feasance doing, execution, from Old French faisance, from fais-, stem of faire to make, do, from Latin facere

More from Merriam-Webster on malfeasance

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