Malfeasance

Noun

Definition: Wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official.

Synonyms: Misconduct, Wrongdoing, Misbehavior, Dishonorable behavior

Antonyms: Integrity, Honesty, Uprightness

Examples:

The investigation revealed evidence of financial malfeasance by the CEO.
The government official was suspended pending an inquiry into allegations of malfeasance.

Mnemonics:

Think of "mal-" as bad or evil, and "-feasance" as actions or conduct.

Etymology:

Origin:

From Latin "malus" (bad) + "facere" (to do)

Historical Usage:

The term originated in legal and governmental contexts in the late 17th century to describe wrongful actions or misconduct by public officials.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

None

Explanation:

"Malfeasance" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrases.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "malfeasance" with "misfeasance" or "nonfeasance."

Explanation:

While all three terms involve wrongful actions, they have distinct meanings. "Malfeasance" refers to intentional wrongdoing or misconduct, "misfeasance" refers to improper or negligent performance of a legal duty, and "nonfeasance" refers to a failure to perform a legal duty.