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Synonyms

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    Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.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

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to conduct (oneself) in such a way

  2. to manage (something) badly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of misconduct

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

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.

The panel concludes that “there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct measured against the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Swift and effective prosecution can be a much stronger deterrent to misconduct than regulations that aim to prevent misconduct but rarely do.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The police watchdog said that a former detective constable could face gross misconduct proceedings - relating to alleged failures to properly investigate - and that two former detective sergeants were being investigated for alleged misconduct.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

A group of lawyers is backing new legislation in Sacramento aimed at cracking down on misconduct, including harsher penalties for illegally recruiting clients.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

I was a twenty-eight-year-old lawyer who had worked on police misconduct cases.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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.