malpractice

noun

mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
1
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage
2
: an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance

Example Sentences

a surgeon accused of malpractice Doctors need to have malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits.
Recent Examples on the Web Under the legislation, immunity would apply to most liability claims, including wrongful death, negligence, malpractice, battery and infliction of emotional distress. Kristine Phillips, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Apr. 2023 The cancellation marks the latest development since Hindenburg last week published a report containing wide-ranging allegations of fraud and malpractice at Mr. Adani's companies. Quentin Webb, WSJ, 1 Feb. 2023 An internal Washington University review found no malpractice. CBS News, 10 May 2023 Physicians could not hold malpractice insurance against such lawsuits. Amy Beth Hanson, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Apr. 2023 This month, the couple received a $15 million settlement from the hospital, among the largest medical malpractice settlements ever reported in Massachusetts, according to the Kekulas’ attorney, Robert Higgins. Jessica Bartlett, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Apr. 2023 Cornyn, a Texas Republican who sits on the committee, later suggested that a medical malpractice lawsuit against her doctors is the legal route Zurawski should consider. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 26 Apr. 2023 The family of a 26-year-old Dacula, Georgia man who died from a bleeding intestinal ulcer in the Gwinnett County Jail two years ago is suing the lockup’s health care contractor for medical malpractice. Jeremy Redmon The Atlanta Journal-constitution (tns), al, 18 Apr. 2023 And the software models’ tendency to make up things confidently is alarming — and an invitation to malpractice suits — in a profession that hinges on finding and weighing facts. Steve Lohr, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malpractice was in 1671

Dictionary Entries Near malpractice

Cite this Entry

“Malpractice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malpractice. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct

Medical Definition

malpractice

1 of 2 noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an accepted degree of professional skill or learning by a physician rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage

malpractice

2 of 2 intransitive verb
malpracticed; malpracticing
: to engage in or commit malpractice

Legal Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: negligence, misconduct, lack of ordinary skill, or a breach of duty in the performance of a professional service (as in medicine) resulting in injury or loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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