wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
1
: evil or improper behavior or action
cleared of any wrongdoing
2
: an instance of doing wrong

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

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

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.

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun
wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ How to pronounce wrongdoing (audio)
: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior
denied any wrongdoing

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongdoing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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