malfeasance
Meaning: Wrongdoing or misconduct by a public official, professional, or person in a position of trust, especially an act that is illegal or contrary to their duty.
Malfeasance is distinguished from misfeasance (performing a lawful act improperly) and nonfeasance (failing to act when required). It implies intentional wrongdoing rather than mere negligence, and is most commonly used in reference to public officials, police officers, and corporate executives. In journalism, it frequently appears in coverage of political scandals and institutional corruption. The term carries a strong connotation of betrayed trust. It collocates with 'corporate,' 'official,' 'public,' and 'in office.'
Examples
- The investigation uncovered widespread malfeasance within the local authority's planning department. 调查揭露了地方当局规划部门内的大范围渎职行为。La investigación descubrió una prevaricación generalizada en el departamento de urbanismo de la autoridad local.調査により、地方自治体の都市計画部門における広範な不正行為が明らかになった。조사 결과 지방자치단체 도시계획 부서 내에서 광범위한 부정행위가 드러났습니다.
- Corporate malfeasance on this scale demands a thorough public inquiry and criminal prosecution. 如此规模的企业渎职要求进行彻底的公开调查和刑事追诉。Una prevaricación empresarial de esta magnitud exige una investigación pública exhaustiva y el correspondiente proceso penal.これほどの規模の企業不正は、徹底した公開調査と刑事訴追を必要とする。이 정도 규모의 기업 부정행위는 철저한 공개 조사와 형사 기소를 요구합니다.
- The councillor was suspended pending an investigation into allegations of malfeasance in office. 该议员因涉嫌在职渎职而被停职,等待调查结果。El concejal fue suspendido a la espera de una investigación sobre las acusaciones de prevaricación en el ejercicio del cargo.その議員は在職中の不正行為の疑いに関する調査が行われるまで停職処分となった。해당 의원은 재직 중 부정행위 혐의에 대한 조사가 진행되는 동안 직무 정지되었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Anglo-French malfaisance, from malfaisant (doing evil), from mal- (bad) and faisant (doing), from Latin facere (to do). Entered English legal usage in the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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