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
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
My intent was to reinforce that defense counsel are a critical protection for Soldiers accused of wrongdoing, especially when there is outside pressure to convict.
—
Clare Hymes, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2023
The case was settled in just one day, with no admission of wrongdoing by Mr. Combs, who denied the allegations.
—Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
There has been no implication of wrongdoing on the part of any of the horse’s connections after it was determined that the horse was a victim of contamination in his feed.
—John Cherwa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2023
Although he was never charged with a crime and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing, the wiretap accusations dogged him for the rest of his life.
—Norman Kempster, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023
The company has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the lawsuit.
—Eden Villalovas, Washington Examiner, 29 Nov. 2023
The company admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
—Marley Jay, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2023
He has been indicted in four criminal cases and has denied wrongdoing in each.
—Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
The letter also accused the board of failing to provide evidence for Altman’s alleged wrongdoing, negotiating in bad faith, and being willing to destroy the company.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023
See More
Clare Hymes, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2023
The case was settled in just one day, with no admission of wrongdoing by Mr. Combs, who denied the allegations.
—Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
There has been no implication of wrongdoing on the part of any of the horse’s connections after it was determined that the horse was a victim of contamination in his feed.
—John Cherwa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2023
Although he was never charged with a crime and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing, the wiretap accusations dogged him for the rest of his life.
—Norman Kempster, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023
The company has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the lawsuit.
—Eden Villalovas, Washington Examiner, 29 Nov. 2023
The company admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
—Marley Jay, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2023
He has been indicted in four criminal cases and has denied wrongdoing in each.
—Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
The letter also accused the board of failing to provide evidence for Altman’s alleged wrongdoing, negotiating in bad faith, and being willing to destroy the company.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 20 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wrongdoing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongdoing was
in the 14th century
Articles Related to wrongdoing
Dictionary Entries Near wrongdoing
Cite this Entry
“Wrongdoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongdoing. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Legal Definition
wrongdoing
noun
wrong·do·ing
ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ
: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior
denied any wrongdoing
More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoing
Nglish: Translation of wrongdoing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of wrongdoing for Arabic Speakers
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