malfeasance
noun
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Definition of malfeasance
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Synonyms for malfeasance
Synonyms
misbehavior, misconduct, misdoing, wrongdoing
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Examples of malfeasance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Walter agrees to work with him, setting the film on its largely familiar procedural trek through shocking evidence of malfeasance, thwarted legal maneuvers and eventual triumph in a courtroom bathed in sunlight. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Just Mercy': Film Review | TIFF 2019," 7 Sep. 2019 The Federal Reserve Act states a Fed governor can be removed only for cause, a high bar that courts and legal scholars have interpreted to mean malfeasance or neglect. — Nick Timiraos, WSJ, "President Trump Bashes the Fed. This Is How the Fed Chief Responds.," 30 Nov. 2018 Baron and many others in the press compared Sanders' rhetoric to Trump's and noted that Warren, who regularly criticizes Amazon and Bezos, and even called for breaking up the company before Sanders did, isn't accusing the paper of malfeasance. — NBC News, "Bernie Sanders and Trump both can't stand the media — for different reasons," 20 Aug. 2019 Five months later, Turner sued Victoria and the other directors, alleging malfeasance and a breach of fiduciary duty to protect the foundation’s assets. — John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Judge sides again with foundation in fight over Prebys estate," 17 June 2019 Though prior episodes had seen Renata having meltdowns at the prospect of her husband’s financial malfeasance leading them to social humiliation, Sunday night’s reveals a more immediate loss. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "Big Little Lies Exhumes the Secrets of Marriage," 1 July 2019 People think that a Mary Boone story suggests malfeasance in the art market but actually, most dealers still do their business by handshake deals, and abide by them. — Liz Cantrell, Town & Country, "Why the Art Market Will Soon See the First Billion Dollar Sale," 19 June 2019 In March, Alcántara asked the FBI to investigate complaints of financial malfeasance under Medina’s administration. — Dylan Mcguinness, ExpressNews.com, "Bexar County Democratic Party appears to splinter after continuing rift," 12 June 2019 Some defendants try to use a spouse’s illness to cover actual malfeasance. — Ann Neumann, Harper's magazine, "Going to Extremes," 10 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malfeasance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for malfeasance
malfeasance
nounFinancial Definition of malfeasance
What It Is
Malfeasance is the legal term for intentionally doing something that is illegal.
How It Works
Let's say John Doe is Jane Smith's broker. John really wants to keep Jane Smith as a client, and he is in charge of her managed account, which means he can buy and sell for her account without her prior approval.
John decides that he wants to increase the returns in Jane's account, so he gets a tip from his buddy, Jake Johnson, who is the CFO of Company XYZ and who tells him that Company XYZ is about to be acquired by Company ABC. John takes this piece of insider information and buys 10,000 shares of Company XYZ for Jane's account. As expected, the stock price of Company XYZ soars 50% after Company ABC announces its acquisition plan five days later. Jane's account makes $200,000.
John has intentionally done something illegal (trade on insider information) that he knows could harm Jane if caught. This is malfeasance.
Why It Matters
Malfeasance is a term often connected to political figures, and it is hard to prove.
Source: Investing Answers
malfeasance
noun
English Language Learners Definition of malfeasance
See the full definition for malfeasance in the English Language Learners Dictionary
malfeasance
noun
\
Legal Definition of malfeasance
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