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Showing results for misconduct. Search instead for report misconduct.
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    Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.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.

Barrett added that allegations of misconduct were confined to "a very small section of our trusted and respected ADF".

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

After a WSJ series last year revealed police overlooked evidence that raised questions about the officers’ self-defense claim, a state grand jury is currently reviewing evidence of alleged misconduct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

A judge closes Justin Baldoni’s defamation case against Blake Lively but her original lawsuit — accusing him of misconduct on “It Ends With Us” — is still moving forward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

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

I knew immediately what I would do: prepare a countersuit charging everyone from the lieutenant all the way up to the minister of justice with misconduct.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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.