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Malfeasance: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Malfeasance noun. Wrongdoing, especially by someone in public office.
How to say it
mal-FEE-zunss/malˈfiːz(ə)ns/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (FEE).
Malfeasance in a sentence
The inquiry uncovered years of financial malfeasance at the town hall.
Incompetence would be bad enough; this was outright malfeasance.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- misconduct
- wrongdoing
- corruption
- malpractice
Opposite:
- probity
- integrity
Where malfeasance comes from
From Anglo-Norman malfaisance, from mal, evil, and faire, to do.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Incompetence would be bad enough; this was outright _____.
- malfeasance
- recidivist
- malversation
Show the answer
malfeasance: Incompetence would be bad enough; this was outright malfeasance.