wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

1

: evil or improper behavior or action

cleared of any wrongdoing

2

: an instance of doing wrong

Synonyms of wrongdoing

• crime
• violation
• sin

Examples of wrongdoing in a Sentence

The corporation's wrongdoings must be exposed.

a local newspaper exposed the contractor's elaborate attempts to cover up his wrongdoings

Recent Examples on the Web

Guevara, who retired a decade ago and is still collecting a handsome city pension, has denied any wrongdoing. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Walliams, who has written bestselling children’s books like Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink, has denied wrongdoing. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

The federal indictment charging Castro with making false statements marked the first Justice Department prosecution of a federal officer accused of wrongdoing connected to Operation Metro Surge. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Toffoli once again denied any wrongdoing in his connection with the banker. — Mauricio Savarese, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior

denied any wrongdoing