embezzlement
Embezzlement (noun) means the crime of secretly stealing money or property that was entrusted to your care, usually by an employee from an employer. Example: “The accountant was jailed for embezzlement after diverting company funds into a personal account.”
How to use embezzlement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStealing money you were trusted to look after, typically at work.
Embezzlement specifically involves money or property already in your care — it is different from theft of something that was never entrusted to you.
Word forms
embezzlements plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The accountant was jailed for _____ after diverting company funds into a personal account.
Etymology
From embezzle plus the noun-forming suffix -ment.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for embezzlement
Frequently asked questions
What does “embezzlement” mean?
The word “embezzlement” means the crime of secretly stealing money or property that was entrusted to your care, usually by an employee from an employer. In plain terms, stealing money you were trusted to look after, typically at work.
How do you pronounce “embezzlement”?
“Embezzlement” is pronounced ihm-BEH-zuhl-muhnt (/ˌɪmˈbɛzəlmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “embezzlement” in a sentence?
Here is “embezzlement” used in a sentence: “The accountant was jailed for embezzlement after diverting company funds into a personal account.”
What part of speech is “embezzlement”?
“Embezzlement” is a noun.