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

My office deals with rising rent, wages, supplies, malpractice premiums and software bills, and our payment for an office visit keeps shrinking. — Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

In addition to her ongoing criminal case, Clancy is also involved in a civil suit alleging medical malpractice by her health care providers. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2026

Officials cited upcoming cuts to Medicaid funding, a malpractice settlement, and threatened lawsuits against the hospital as contributing factors. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

The reports have raised legitimate questions about whether medical malpractice occurred and whether the Eagles prioritized winning a regular-season game over the health of their franchise quarterback. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 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