One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Wrongdoing, especially (US) by a public official.
deceit, deception, duplicity, lying, falseness, falsity, falsehood, untruthfulnessView synonyms
- ‘But this litigation is often the only means to protect society from medical malpractice or corporate malfeasance.’
- ‘Reporters have long been the last bastion against tyranny, wrongdoing and malfeasance.’
- ‘Even if they were just friends, that made it newsworthy, because it was about public malfeasance.’
- ‘Unions and victims' groups have already accused the company of fraud, deceit and corporate malfeasance.’
- ‘Its greatest concern has been unrest in rural areas brought on by official malfeasance and land disputes.’
- ‘This would occur whenever the public is made aware of official malfeasance or incompetence.’
Late 17th century: from Anglo-Norman French malfaisance, from mal- ‘evil’ + Old French faisance ‘activity’. Compare with misfeasance.
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