misconduct

[ noun mis-kon-duhkt; verb mis-kuhn-duhkt ]

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   Her license was revoked for professional misconduct and poor professional performance.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

noun

1. behaviour, such as adultery or professional negligence, that is regarded as immoral or unethical

verb

1. to conduct (oneself) in such a way
2. to manage (something) badly

Word History and Origins

Origin of misconduct¹

First recorded in 1700–10; mis- ¹ + conduct

Example Sentences

He would perfectly fulfill Trump’s oft-expressed desire for an attorney general who acts as his personal lawyer, fighting off any challenges to his power or misconduct in the style of Roy Cohn, who served as Joseph McCarthy’s chief counsel and became a mentor to Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

Gaetz's resignation ended a years-long probe by the committee that looked into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor and illicit drug use.

From Salon

Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing, although until he resigned from Congress on Wednesday night, he was still the subject of an open investigation being conducted by the House Ethics Committee into whether he committed sexual misconduct or used illegal drugs.

From Slate

The House Ethics Committee was set to release a report detailing the findings of an investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use on Friday, but President-elect Donald Trump's selection of the Florida Republican to be attorney general abruptly deprived the panel of its jurisdiction.

From Salon

In July she was convicted of misconduct in a public office after the video went viral on social media.

From BBC

Related Words

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