# misdemeanor

/ˌmɪsdəˈminɝ/ (US) · /mˌɪsdɪmˈiːnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/misdemeanor
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. minor crime

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Technical

a crime that is not very serious, usually punished by a fine or a short time in jail rather than a long prison sentence.

For teachers: a criminal offense considered less serious than a felony, typically punishable by fines, community service, or incarceration in a local jail.

- He had to pay a fine for a misdemeanor after he was caught spray-painting the wall.
- The defendant was charged with a misdemeanor rather than a felony because the value of the stolen goods fell below the statutory threshold.

Usage: In the US legal system, it is the standard term for minor crimes; in British English, 'summary offence' is more common.

### 2. bad behavior

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

an action that is slightly wrong or shows bad manners, but is not necessarily a crime.

For teachers: an instance of misbehavior or a minor lapse in conduct.

- The teacher decided to overlook the student's small misdemeanor during the field trip.
- While not a fireable offense, his constant tardiness was viewed by the board as a professional misdemeanor that required a formal warning.

## Examples

- The shoplifter was charged with a misdemeanor.
- While a felony can lead to years in prison, a misdemeanor usually results in community service or a fine.
- Legal scholars argue that the classification of certain non-violent acts as a misdemeanor rather than a civil infraction places an undue burden on the judicial system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.