malpractice

American  

[mal-prak-tis] / mælˈpræk tɪs /

noun

1. Law. failure of a professional person, as a physician or lawyer, to render proper services through reprehensible ignorance or negligence or through criminal intent, especially when injury or loss follows.

2. any improper, negligent practice; misconduct or misuse.

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malpractice British  

/ ˌmælprækˈtɪʃənə, mælˈpræktɪs /

noun

1. immoral, illegal, or unethical professional conduct or neglect of professional duty

2. any instance of improper professional conduct

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malpractice Cultural  

1. Mistakes or negligent conduct by a professional person, especially a physician, that results in damage to others, such as misdiagnosis of a serious illness. Damaged parties often seek compensation by bringing malpractice suits against the offending physician or other professional.

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Other Word Forms

• malpractitioner noun

Etymology

Origin of malpractice

First recorded in 1665–75; mal- + practice

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, people disagree about whether “malpractice” refers to the action itself or the harm the action causes.

From The Wall Street Journal

A jury last month found that a psychologist and surgeon had committed malpractice over a double mastectomy performed on a 16-year-old without adequate consent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many of these attorneys are liable for fines, professional discipline, and may be subject to malpractice suits from their clients.

From Barron's

Despite pressing the board for updates on his case, he would not find out the details of the surgery until 2025, when the board filed its first malpractice allegations against Hatayama, in April.

From Los Angeles Times

Legal malpractice generally has a three-year limitations period, running from when the malpractice occurred.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• carelessness
• dereliction
• misbehavior
• misdeed
• mismanagement
• negligence
• transgression
• violation