self-dealing

noun

self-deal·​ing ˈself-ˈdē-liŋ 

: engagement in a transaction for the benefit of oneself rather than for the benefits of someone to whom one owes a fiduciary duty

Examples of self-dealing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Americans deserve the facts and can decide for themselves whether this looks like acceptable governance or something closer to self-dealing. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

But the iconic building has been at the center of a massive lawsuit alleging fraud and self-dealing by the developer. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Essentially, investigators are examining whether the transactions amounted to self-dealing. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

The litigation is rooted in the controversy that swirled around the HFPA in 2021, when the Los Angeles Times published an investigation into the organization, pointing out its lack of diversity and instances of self-dealing. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-dealing

• annealing
• appealing
• concealing
• congealing
• freewheeling
• repealing
• revealing
• unfeeling
• ceiling
• dealing
• feeling
• healing

Legal Definition

self-dealing

noun

self-deal·​ing

ˈself-ˈdē-liŋ

: engagement in a transaction that is intended primarily to benefit one's self or the narrow interests of a few (as corporate insiders) rather than those to whom one owes a duty by virtue of one's position

self-dealing by a trustee

self-dealing adjective