misconduct
n. uncountablen. bad or dishonest behavior, especially by someone in a professional job like a doctor, lawyer, or police officer. It often means breaking the rules of your workplace or the law.
n. unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by a professional or public official. Often implies a deliberate violation of a law, rule, or standard of conduct.
The lawyer was fired for professional misconduct.
The committee launched an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct by the former director.
While the error was significant, the board determined it was a result of negligence rather than willful misconduct, allowing the researcher to keep their credentials.
From mis- + conduct (noun sense).
From mis- + conduct (verb sense).
Frequently modified by 'professional', 'sexual', or 'official'; typically used in formal legal or workplace contexts.