malpractice

noun

mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
Synonyms of malpractice
1
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage
2
: an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance

Examples of malpractice in a Sentence

a surgeon accused of malpractice Doctors need to have malpractice insurance to protect themselves against lawsuits.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Their demonstrations against malpractice and mismanagement in national college-level qualifying examinations ultimately led to the resignation of the union education minister and sparked hopes of wider reforms in education. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 The legislation now before Parliament amends a law passed in that same period, intended to deter organized malpractice and protect the credibility of public examinations. — Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Adverse birth outcomes are among the most common claims against physicians in medical-malpractice lawsuits, and awarded judgments can be very high, which inflates the liability-insurance premiums that doctors must pay. — Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 Jorge Silva, a Coral Gables medical malpractice lawyer, said Florida regulations on this rule are quite loose. — Ella Moore july 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for malpractice

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malpractice was in 1671

Rhymes for malpractice

See All Rhymes for malpractice

Browse Nearby Words

malposition
malpractice
malpractitioner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malpractice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malpractice. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: violation of professional standards especially by carelessness or improper conduct

Medical Definition

malpractice

1 of 2 noun
mal·​prac·​tice (ˈ)mal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an accepted degree of professional skill or learning by a physician rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage

malpractice

2 of 2 intransitive verb
malpracticed; malpracticing
: to engage in or commit malpractice

Legal Definition

malpractice

noun
mal·​prac·​tice ˌmal-ˈprak-təs How to pronounce malpractice (audio)
: negligence, misconduct, lack of ordinary skill, or a breach of duty in the performance of a professional service (as in medicine) resulting in injury or loss
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