wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

1

: evil or improper behavior or action

cleared of any wrongdoing

2

: an instance of doing wrong

Synonyms of wrongdoing

• crime
• violation
• sin

Examples of wrongdoing in a Sentence

The corporation's wrongdoings must be exposed.

a local newspaper exposed the contractor's elaborate attempts to cover up his wrongdoings

Recent Examples on the Web

With many in the party pushing for investigations of potential malfeasance by the administration, party leaders will face tough choices about consequences if those probes do turn up wrongdoing. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Each of the men has denied wrongdoing to investigators, in public statements, or through their lawyers. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing related to his relationship with Epstein. — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Uthmeier has denied all wrongdoing, and a grand jury declined to bring charges against him. — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

wrongdoing

noun

wrong·​do·​ing ˈrȯŋ-ˌdü-iŋ 

: injurious, criminal, or improper behavior

denied any wrongdoing