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 Post reported Hunter Biden's laptop showed wrongdoing by then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who subsequently won the election. — Ryan Lucas, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Hunter Foster had been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Mississippi attorney general’s office earlier this week after its monthslong probe concluded his use of force had been justified. — Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

The influencer previously denied any wrongdoing in a series of social media posts. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026

The Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General recently reopened its investigation into the matter, only to close it again and clear Dominguez of any wrongdoing. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Oct. 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