misdeed

[ mis-deed ]

noun

1. an immoral or wicked deed.

   Synonyms: fault, transgression, offense

misdeed

/ ˌmɪsˈdiːd /

noun

1. an evil or illegal action

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdeed¹

before 900; Middle English misdede, Old English misdǣd. See mis- ¹, deed

Example Sentences

Official wrist-slaps and “wet smooches” delivered to corporate leaders by federal regulators and prosecutors are the rule, no matter how egregious the misdeed — even when it’s as bad as the Wells Fargo customer fraud.

From Los Angeles Times

The deck is not stacked against Trump—who, like any other American, will be judged by members of the community where he committed his alleged misdeed.

From Slate

“I used my online presence to alert others of this misdeed. And I’m glad that through the power of community, we’ve been able to enact some change already.”

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the Louvre’s fired director announced that Perugia had been proven to be “a cunning madman. His misdeed and the preposterous explanation he gives seem to prove it.”

From Literature

He’s full-throatedly defending his partner, famed computational designer Neri Oxman, from reports that she committed the very misdeed Ackman disparaged Gay for: plagiarism in her academic work.

From Slate

Related Words

• infringement
• misbehavior
• misconduct
• offense
• peccadillo
• sin
• transgression
• violation