misconduct

American  

[mis-kon-duhkt, mis-kuhn-duhkt] / mɪsˈkɒn dʌkt, ˌmɪs kənˈdʌkt /

noun

1. improper or wrong behavior.

   Numerous accusations of sexual misconduct have blighted his campaign.

   Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.

   Synonyms:

   misstep, misdeed, misbehavior, wrongdoing

2. unlawful behavior by an official in regard to their office, or by a person in the administration of justice, such as a lawyer, witness, or juror; malfeasance.

   A complaint was filed against the prosecutor, alleging misconduct in the case.

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verb (used with object)

1. to mismanage.

2. to misbehave (oneself ).

misconduct British  

noun

1. behaviour, such as adultery or professional negligence, that is regarded as immoral or unethical

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verb

1. to conduct (oneself) in such a way

2. to manage (something) badly

Etymology

Origin of misconduct

First recorded in 1700–10; mis- ¹ + conduct

Explanation

Misconduct is any kind of bad, unethical, or illegal activity. When there's misconduct, someone is doing something wrong. Since conduct is behavior, misconduct is behavior that's not quite right: some kind of shady or criminal conduct. If an accountant cooked the books — lied about finances — that's misconduct. A police officer taking a bribe is guilty of misconduct. Often, misconduct specifically refers to someone who does improper things on behalf of someone else, like the misconduct of a dishonest lawyer.

Example Sentences

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases said it will decide whether to hear the case by March 24, according to Wayo.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Misconduct in public office is defined by the British Crown Prosecution Service as the “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office” and can result in life imprisonment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

This “new evidence,” they contend, “is material to the Judicial Misconduct claim, alleging a serious violation of Mr. Roberson’s fundamental right to a trial before an impartial tribunal—and before a tribunal that appears impartial.”

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2025

Misconduct allegations cast a pall of gruesomeness over everything Gaiman has done and will do.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2025

Misconduct on the part of the man must be flagrant before it constitutes a sufficient ground for his divorce by his wife.

From The Pagan Tribes of Borneo by Haddon, Alfred C. (Alfred Cort)

Related Words

• dereliction
• immorality
• impropriety
• malfeasance
• malpractice
• misbehavior
• mischief
• misdemeanor
• mismanagement
• offense
• transgression
• wrongdoing