noun
embezzlement
ihm-BEH-zuhl-muhnt
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.”
noun
1
The crime of secretly stealing money or property that was entrusted to your care, usually by an employee from an employer.
"The accountant was jailed for embezzlement after diverting company funds into a personal account."
"The charity collapsed following a scandal involving embezzlement by its treasurer."
How to use embezzlement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStealing money you were trusted to look after, typically at work.
Common mistake
Embezzlement specifically involves money or property already in your care — it is different from theft of something that was never entrusted to you.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
charged with embezzlement
convicted of embezzlement
embezzlement of funds
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like embezzlement.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- embezzlements
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
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
See all 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.
