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 medical providers Cole and Mosley accused denied wrongdoing. —Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 16 May 2026

At the murder trial, prosecutors argued Alex Murdaugh, who comes from a legacy of prominent attorneys in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, killed his wife and son to gain sympathy and distract from his financial wrongdoings. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 May 2026

Bank of America denied any wrongdoing in the settlement. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 16 May 2026

Becerra has forcefully denied wrongdoing, calling it a ‘gut punch’ that his advisors allegedly betrayed him. —Los Angeles Times, 15 May 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