malfeasance

[ mal-fee-zuhns ]

noun

Law.

1. the performance of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law, especially by a public official or a person in a position of public trust. Compare misfeasance ( def 2 ), nonfeasance ( def ).

malfeasance

/ mælˈfiːzəns /

noun

1. law the doing of a wrongful or illegal act, esp by a public official Compare misfeasance nonfeasance

Derived Forms

• malˈfeasant, nounadjective

Other Word Forms

• mal·fea·sant adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of malfeasance¹

First recorded in 1660–70; earlier malefeasance. See male-, feasance

Word History and Origins

Origin of malfeasance¹

C17: from Old French mal faisant, from mal evil + faisant doing, from faire to do, from Latin facere

Example Sentences

Under state law, it can ban someone from operating, directing or working at them if that person has violated state rules for the facilities, engaged in financial malfeasance or harmed residents.

From Los Angeles Times

The law governing the office says that until the expiration of that term, the special counsel “may be removed by the president only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.”

From Los Angeles Times

The first asserted that the bureau’s management structure, with no board and a single director who could be removed by a president only for inefficiency or malfeasance, was unconstitutional.

From Los Angeles Times

Revelations seem to emerge on a daily basis about Patel's malfeasance in his positions during Trump's first term, always because he was operating as Trump's propaganda minister regardless of the actual job he held.

From Salon

The killing is complicated by accusations of malfeasance against the dead man.

From Salon

Related Words

• impropriety
• misbehavior
• misconduct

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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