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Showing results for misconduct. Search instead for misconducts'.
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    Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.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 King said last month that the Royal Family were "ready to support" police in their inquiries after his brother was arrested and then released on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

From BBC

"I would have been mistaken for thinking I'd done some serious misconduct or some criminal offence - instead I told a bad joke for which I've apologised," he added.

From BBC

Police have asked the Cabinet Office not to publish certain documents, because of their investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office by Lord Mandelson.

From BBC

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

Further, regulations are unnecessary because existing civil and criminal statutes already provide robust remedies for fraud, harm and other misconduct.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.