malpractice

noun

mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
1
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage
2
: an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance

Examples of malpractice in a Sentence

a surgeon accused of malpractice Doctors need to have malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Family and friends believe the WWF/E legend was a victim of malpractice during a recent neck operation. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025 Soon, not using AI to help determine diagnoses or treatments could be seen as malpractice. Craig Spencer, The Atlantic, 29 Aug. 2025 Davis has no record of malpractice violations, according to the Oregon Board of Dentistry. Deon J. Hampton, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2025 Parlato said the Independent Women’s Forum expects a ruling on Mosley’s petition to reinstate her medical malpractice and negligence case by the end of August. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malpractice

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malpractice was in 1671

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Cite this Entry

“Malpractice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malpractice. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct

Medical Definition

malpractice

1 of 2 noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an accepted degree of professional skill or learning by a physician rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage

malpractice

2 of 2 intransitive verb
malpracticed; malpracticing
: to engage in or commit malpractice

Legal Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: negligence, misconduct, lack of ordinary skill, or a breach of duty in the performance of a professional service (as in medicine) resulting in injury or loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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