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Showing results for wrongdoing. Search instead for wronging.
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.

The board does not disclose open investigations or cases when a doctor has been cleared of wrongdoing.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

WPP said it had reached an agreement without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The board has not determined if UC engaged in wrongdoing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

A federal judge quashed the subpoenas in March, finding no credible evidence of wrongdoing and writing that the effort appeared designed to harass Powell into resigning.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Later on, Apollo changed Midas’ ears into those of an ass; but again the punishment was for stupidity, not for any wrongdoing.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

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.