Word
wrongdoing
Phoneticswrong·do·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɔŋduɪŋ/
UK/ɹˈɒŋduːˌɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. behavior that is illegal, dishonest, or morally wrong. You use this word when someone breaks a rule or a law.
n. illegal, dishonest, or unethical behavior. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe actions that violate established codes of conduct.
Examples
“The investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.”
“The company fired the manager after several employees reported his financial wrongdoing to the board.”
“While the audit did not uncover criminal activity, it highlighted several instances of administrative wrongdoing that suggested a systemic lack of oversight.”
Examples
simple
“The investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.”
contextual
“The company fired the manager after several employees reported his financial wrongdoing to the board.”
complex
“While the audit did not uncover criminal activity, it highlighted several instances of administrative wrongdoing that suggested a systemic lack of oversight.”
Usage
Typically used in the singular as an abstract concept; when referring to specific acts, 'wrongdoings' is possible but less common.
Real-World Examples
“Both Barrowman and Mone have denied any wrongdoing in relation to those contracts that were worth more than £200m.” “A lawyer for Aguirre denied his client’s wrongdoing.” Etymology
From Middle English wrong doyng, wrong doynge, wrong doinge, equivalent to wrong + doing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/wrongdoing