malfeasance
UK: malˈfiːz(ə)ns | US: mælˈfiːzəns
n. wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official or professional person.
malfeasance = mal<bad> + feas<do> + ance<noun suffix>
- mal (from Latin malus, meaning "bad")
- feas (from Old French fais-, stem of faire, meaning "to do," derived from Latin facere)
- ance (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state, from Latin -antia)
Etymology Origin:
The word malfeasance entered English in the late 17th century via Anglo-French legal terminology, combining mal- (bad) with feasance (the doing of an act). Its roots trace back to Latin facere (to do), a prolific verb that spawned countless derivatives. The term specifically highlights illicit action, originally in legal contexts but now extended to professional misconduct. The -ance suffix solidifies its status as a noun denoting a state or quality of wrongdoing.
The mayor was accused of malfeasance for embezzling public funds.
Corporate malfeasance can lead to severe financial penalties.
The lawyer faced disbarment due to proven malfeasance in handling client assets.
Investigators uncovered a pattern of malfeasance within the regulatory agency.
Whistleblowers play a key role in exposing malfeasance in government.