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

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

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

Users deny wrongdoing As Broadcom works to ensure that people aren’t using VMware outside its terms, some suggest that the semiconductor giant is wasting some time by investigating organizations that aren’t violating agreements. —ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025

But Catherine Butler, vice president of communications for CPCC, said that the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by the school. —Maia Nehme, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025

Trump has continued to deny any wrongdoing against Carroll and publicly attack the writer, whose lawyers have not ruled out bringing further litigation against him. —Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

The narrative kicks off with seven people answering a curious invitation from enigmatic inventor, Nikola Tesla, to make amends for their darkest wrongdoings. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025

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