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

Regulators — Authorities, usually from states, with power to approve insurers’ rates, propose and enforce laws intended to guarantee fairness, and punish wrongdoing by insurers. — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

At the time, the Miramax co-founder denied all wrongdoing and planned to appeal. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

For the second time this week, someone who worked for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has been charged with wrongdoing on the job. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

The grand jury findings attempt to explicitly clear the friends who left the island without Wells from any wrongdoing, including trying to squash several online rumors. — Sophie Bates, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 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