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

Rocha Moya, 77, a staunch ally of Sheinbaum’s mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, denied wrongdoing and described the charges as a politically motivated attack. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

No criminal charges have been filed against Walter, and the investigation does not allege that the Dodgers or Lakers committed wrongdoing. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

The state closed the Yarbrough investigation in May with no findings of wrongdoing. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

The company agreed to settle the lawsuit without admitting wrongdoing. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 21 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