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   Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.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

It’s a manufactured veneer of hyper-competence that he can rattle off whenever he is confronted about his personal misconduct.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

McNabb drew a five-minute interference penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct on the play, allowing Sennecke to bang in his second power-play goal in as many games 3 ½ minutes later.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

Synergy Marine, the company that operated the ship, along with one of its employees, has been charged with conspiracy, obstruction and misconduct resulting in death, among other offences.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Particularly in this case, the FBI’s affidavit does not outright claim it has evidence of intentional misconduct; instead it suggests there is simply evidence of irregularities.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

Maybe she was making a misconduct list so she could justify sending me back.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Related Words

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