malpractice

noun

mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs 

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

Examples of malpractice in a Sentence

a surgeon accused of malpractice

Doctors need to have malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits.

Recent Examples on the Web

The production weaves memory and trauma into a visceral narrative that aims to serve as a powerful indictment of corporate malpractice. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 July 2026

In December 2023, Higgs filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Baptist Health Care and Acumen Medical Imaging and Interventional, the independent physician group that Lusane works for. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Since 2009, his independent, nonprofit Hummel Report, funded by private donors and foundations, has been exposing government malpractice, examining major issues and shining light on everyday heroes. — Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 2 July 2026

Many applied to join a lawsuit seeking financial compensation for legal malpractice. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for malpractice

• actus
• cactus
• practice
• practise
• tractus

Kids Definition

malpractice

noun

mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs 

: violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct

Medical Definition

malpractice

1 of 2 noun

mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs 

: 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 

: 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