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

• breach
• crime
• debt
• error
• lawbreaking
• malefaction
• misdeed
• misdoing
• offense
• offence
• sin
• transgression
• trespass
• violation

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

McDonald's, based in Chicago, denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle. —Jonathan Stempel, USA Today, 15 June 2025

Madigan admitted no wrongdoing in his own short statement before the judge handed down the sentence. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

Combs has denied wrongdoing and attempted to dismiss the lawsuit. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 12 June 2025

Just eight senators have been censured in history, the most recent being former Sen. David Durenberger (R-Minn.), who was penalized for financial wrongdoing. —Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 12 June 2025

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