conflict of interest

American  

noun

1. the circumstance of a public officeholder, business executive, or the like, whose personal interests might benefit from their official actions or influence.

   The senator placed his stocks in trust to avoid possible conflict of interest.

2. the circumstance of a person who finds that one of their own activities, interests, etc., can be advanced only at the expense of another of them.

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Etymology

Origin of conflict of interest

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

His revenue sharing, which he did not disclose, creates conflicts of interest as advisers may be incentivized to recommend funds that pay them more.

From The Wall Street Journal

His revenue sharing, which he did not disclose, creates conflicts of interest as advisers may be incentivized to recommend funds that pay them more.

From The Wall Street Journal

The district attorney said the text messages would help prove “that intent to defraud, that intent to commit money laundering, this intent to violate our conflict of interest laws.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dupont-Walker and Mitchell announced at the start of the meeting that they had recused themselves from the vote after Metro ethics advisors told them they had a conflict of interest.

From Los Angeles Times

All other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

From Science Daily