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Showing results for wrongdoing. Search instead for Wrong+Thing.
Synonyms

wrongdoing

American  
[rawng-doo-ing, -doo-, rong-] / ˈrɔŋˌdu ɪŋ, -ˈdu-, ˈrɒŋ- /

noun

  1. behavior or action that is wrong, evil, or blameworthy.

  2. an act that is wrong, evil, or blameworthy; misdeed; sin.

wrongdoing British  
/ ˈrɒŋˌduːɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or an instance of doing something immoral or illegal

"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 wrongdoing

First recorded in 1470–80; wrong + doing

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.

One minister told the BBC that any wrongdoing should be dealt with by the appropriate authorities.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing in the matter, and a release of records from that investigation now would be unusual.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Earlier this month, a federal judge quashed the subpoenas after a prosecutor acknowledged no evidence of wrongdoing had been found, but U.S.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Santander Consumer did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement it paid to 33 states — including Oregon — and the District of Columbia.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

“You issue evictions in order to build a case for wrongdoing and thereby justify retaliation,” Muriel said.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

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.