malfeasance

noun

mal·​fea·​sance ˌmal-ˈfē-zᵊn(t)s How to pronounce malfeasance (audio)
Synonyms of malfeasance
: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.

Synonyms of malfeasance

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Examples of malfeasance in a Sentence

The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance. a campaign to impeach the governor for malfeasance in office
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mosley is joined on the podcast to mull over the malfeasance by guests who have included Conan O’Brien, Jameela Jamil, Miranda Cosgrove, Lamorne Morris, Ayo Edebiri, Gayle King, JB Smoove, Nicole Byer and Matt Rogers. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 Although investigators haven’t determined a motive for the malfeasance, theories abound. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Experts have identified three possible cases of gambling malfeasance from the 2026 World Cup. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 24 July 2026 So far no concrete evidence has surfaced indicating malfeasance within the Justice Department in not filing charges. — Justin Fishel, ABC News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for malfeasance

Word History

Etymology

mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malfeasance was in 1663

Rhymes for malfeasance

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Browse Nearby Words

malevolous
malfeasance
malfeasant
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Cite this Entry

“Malfeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malfeasance. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

malfeasance

noun
mal·​fea·​sance (ˈ)mal-ˈfēz-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce malfeasance (audio)
: wrongful conduct especially by a public official

Legal Definition

malfeasance

noun
mal·​fea·​sance ˌmal-ˈfēz-ᵊns How to pronounce malfeasance (audio)
: the commission (as by a public official) of a wrongful or unlawful act involving or affecting the performance of one's duties compare misfeasance, nonfeasance
Etymology

mal- bad + obsolete English feasance doing, execution, from Old French faisance, from fais-, stem of faire to make, do, from Latin facere

More from Merriam-Webster on malfeasance

Nglish: Translation of malfeasance for Spanish Speakers

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