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 Pinal County audit of voting systems finds no malfeasance, despite supervisor's claims Maricopa County asks court for guidance after sending incorrect Phoenix Union ballots Why more Arizona Democrats are switching parties than Republicans President Joe Biden to visit Arizona next week. Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024 Inconsistencies in JPMorgan’s records pertaining to Peter’s assets were not proof of malfeasance by bank employees, Kelley ruled. Tom Schoenberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024 He was forced to testify in front of the government about his client's malfeasance. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 30 Sep. 2024 The commission would be required to investigate malfeasance allegations against a judge at the request of any state legislator. Jeremy Duda, Axios, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for malfeasance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malfeasance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near malfeasance

Cite this Entry

“Malfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malfeasance. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!