misfeasance

American  

[mis-fee-zuhns] / mɪsˈfi zəns /

noun

Law.

1. a wrong, actual or alleged, arising from or consisting of affirmative action.

2. the wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; the wrongful and injurious exercise of lawful authority.

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misfeasance British  

/ mɪsˈfiːzəns /

noun

1. law the improper performance of an act that is lawful in itself Compare malfeasance nonfeasance

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Other Word Forms

• misfeasor noun

Etymology

Origin of misfeasance

From the Anglo-French word mesfesance, dating back to 1590–1600. See mis- ¹, feasance

Compare meaning

How does misfeasance compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• malfeasance vs. misfeasance

Example Sentences

This prompted lawyers handling the class action to appeal the original settlement, and demand further compensation due to "misfeasance in public office".

From BBC

Salmond, who died of a heart attack in October 2024 while attending a conference in North Macedonia, was suing the government for misfeasance - a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

From BBC

Claims for negligence and misfeasance in public office were advanced as part of wider actions against the PSNI, Home Office and Department of Health.

From BBC

An initial hearing into the "misfeasance" action was heard at the Court of Session in November to lay the groundwork for a future case, which is yet to begin.

From BBC

Mr More sued the Metropolitan Police for compensation for misfeasance in public office and for false imprisonment.

From BBC