misfeasance

noun mis·fea·sance \ mis-ˈfē-zᵊn(t)s \

Definition of misfeasance

: trespass; specifically : the performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner

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misfeasor

play \-ˈfē-zər, -ˌzȯr\ noun

Recent Examples of misfeasance from the Web

Grounds for removal are: exercising unlawful power or authority, gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, drunkenness, misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance.

— james ewinger, cleveland.com, "Perry Village mayor and council are at a silent impasse," 28 Apr. 2018
The Florida constitution gives governors authority to suspend public officials for malfeasance, misfeasance, commission of a felony or neglect of duty.

— glenn garvin, miamiherald, "Suspend Broward sheriff for agency screw-ups? That might be more harder than Republicans think | Miami Herald," 27 Feb. 2018
Here, a look back at some very memorable misfeasance.

— george hobica, Fox News, "10 terrible airline pilots we hope to never fly with," 1 Feb. 2013
That is a separate process guided by state law, which says a council member must show malfeasance, misfeasance or unfitness for office in order to be removed.

— phillip m. bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville Democrats finish Dan Johnson investigation but Jessica Green wants findings released now," 22 June 2017
DiChiro interviewed several witnesses to show that Jaros was guilty of gross misconduct, misfeasance in office, conflict of interest and bias during his time acting as a member of the commission.

— mark holan/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Seven Hills council removes Tom Jaros from planning commission," 23 May 2017
That is a separate process guided by state law, which says a council member must show malfeasance, misfeasance or unfitness for office to be removed.

— tessa weinberg and phillip m. bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Dan Johnson angry about leaks. At least that's what a leaked email tells us," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'misfeasance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of misfeasance

Middle French mesfaisance, from mesfaire to do wrong, from mes- mis- + faire to make, do, from Latin facere — more at do

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1626

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Law Dictionary

misfeasance

noun mis·fea·sance \ mis-ˈfēz-ᵊns \

legal Definition of misfeasance

: the performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner; specifically : the performance of an official duty in an improper or unlawful manner or with an improper or corrupt motive — compare malfeasance, nonfeasance