misconduct
Americannoun
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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Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.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
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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.
verb (used with object)
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to mismanage.
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to misbehave (oneself ).
noun
verb
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to conduct (oneself) in such a way
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to manage (something) badly
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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misconductsimple
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misconductssimple
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have misconductedperfect
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has misconductedperfect
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am misconductingprogressive
-
are misconductingprogressive
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is misconductingprogressive
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have been misconductingperfect progressive
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has been misconductingperfect progressive
Past
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misconductedsimple
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had misconductedperfect
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was misconductingprogressive
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were misconductingprogressive
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had been misconductingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of misconduct
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.
Vocabulary lists containing misconduct
mis-
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Simply Scandalous!
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mis-
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Misconduct proceedings against Roberts were also under way, Northumbria Police said.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
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 will be reported by American Provost Marshals direct to the man's regimental or other Commander for disciplinary action—and for consideration at the next turn of leave.
From The Stars and Stripes The American Soldiers' Newspaper of World War I, 1918-1919 by United States. Army. American Expeditionary Forces
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
