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

The men referenced in the files have vehemently denied any criminal association with Epstein, including after the latest release on Friday, and the president has never been accused of wrongdoing by law enforcement. —David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026

The congresswoman has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but has not entered a plea in the criminal case. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026

Before the civil settlement, Reina denied wrongdoing in court filings responding to the civil lawsuit, arguing any errors were unintentional and that statutes of limitations had expired. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Deutsche Bank previously denied wrongdoing in a statement to Fortune. —Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 30 Jan. 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