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

Cook has not been charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Allen, 48, who has served over a decade in the Legislature, has campaigned on a platform that blends cracking down on insurer wrongdoing — citing his legislative record — while trying to fix the market so that more carriers will write policies. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

The actions of politicians in other states do not justify wrongdoing here. — Jason Buckel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026

Arday has previously denied any deliberate wrongdoing, describing mistakes in his academic work as unintentional and arguing that much of the criticism amounts to an ideologically and racially motivated campaign against him. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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