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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.

The statement didn’t elaborate on Ma’s alleged wrongdoing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The judge said the alleged wrongdoing was based solely on "photographs and videos sent" in October 2019 "following an anonymous tip-off," and environmental authorities did not follow up with additional evidence.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 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

In the court documents, Bank of America says the settlement is "no admission of liability" or "wrongdoing" on its part.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 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.