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

Through a spokesperson, de la Torre has denied wrongdoing. —Jon Lapook, CBS News, 12 Sep. 2024

Lately, Adams has made a point of saying that no one around him has yet been formally accused of wrongdoing. —Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2024

Watson repeatedly denied wrongdoing in those cases, and 23 of the lawsuits were settled confidentially. —Jacob Lev, CNN, 11 Sep. 2024

Friske's attorney maintained his innocence of any criminal wrongdoing Tuesday. —Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2024

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