Wrongdoing

ˈrɔːŋduːɪŋ

nounmediumCommonLegal

Definitions

1

An act that violates the law or accepted standards of behavior.

ˈrɔːŋduːɪŋ

nounnegativemedium
Legal

An act that is illegal or morally wrong.

The company was accused of financial wrongdoing.

💡 Simply: Imagine you took something that wasn't yours. That would be a wrongdoing! It's anything that's against the rules or is unfair.

👶 For kids: When you do something bad or mean that you're not supposed to do.

More Examples

2

The investigation uncovered several instances of wrongdoing within the department.

3

She was punished for her wrongdoing.

4

The report detailed the extent of his wrongdoing.

How It's Used

Legal

"The investigation revealed serious financial wrongdoing."

Ethics

"The company's code of conduct addressed various forms of wrongdoing."

From Middle English *wrongdoinge*, equivalent to wrong +‎ doing. 'Wrong' indicates immoral or unjust action, while 'doing' implies the act of committing such an action.

The term 'wrongdoing' has been used for centuries, solidifying its position as a key concept in both moral and legal discourse. Its presence is noted in early legal and religious texts.

Memory tip

Think of something you *did wrong* and the consequences.

wrong doingwrong-doing

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written