conflict of interest

noun phrase

: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust

Examples of conflict of interest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The defense called it a conflict of interest that should have stopped Bondi from directing prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2025 Due to a conflict of interest, the criminal case is being handled by La Paz County Attorney Rachel Shackelford, Zucco said. Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025 In their coverage of Moniz’s criticism, however, Reuters and the Washington Post did not mention the possible conflict of interest stemming from the former energy secretary’s extensive financial ties to the oil and gas industries — direct competitors to nuclear power. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025 Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of gambling conspiracy, is paying the legal expenses of a co-defendant, creating an untenable conflict of interest, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Tom Winter, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conflict of interest

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conflict of interest was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

Legal Definition

conflict of interest

con·​flict of interest
ˈkän-ˌflikt-
1
: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
2
: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
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