noun
Uncommon
misconduct
mihs-KON-duhkt
Misconduct (noun) means Behaviour that breaks accepted rules of conduct, especially at work or in a profession. Example: “The officer was suspended pending an investigation into alleged misconduct.”
noun
1
Behaviour that breaks accepted rules of conduct, especially at work or in a profession.
"The officer was suspended pending an investigation into alleged misconduct."
verb
1
To behave improperly or to manage something badly.
"He was accused of misconducting the affairs of the charity."
How to use misconduct
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishImproper behaviour, often used formally in workplace or legal contexts.
When to use it
Mostly used in formal, professional, or legal writing rather than everyday speech.
Common pairings
professional misconduct
gross misconduct
sexual misconduct
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like misconduct.
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
- misconducts
- Third person singular
- misconducts
- Past tense
- misconducted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The officer was suspended pending an investigation into alleged _____.
Etymology
From mis- + conduct.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for misconduct
See all rhymes for misconduct →Frequently asked questions
What does “misconduct” mean?
The word “misconduct” means behaviour that breaks accepted rules of conduct, especially at work or in a profession. In plain terms, improper behaviour, often used formally in workplace or legal contexts.
How do you pronounce “misconduct”?
“Misconduct” is pronounced mihs-KON-duhkt (/mɪsˈkɑndʌkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “misconduct” in a sentence?
Here is “misconduct” used in a sentence: “The officer was suspended pending an investigation into alleged misconduct.”
What part of speech is “misconduct”?
Depending on how it is used, “misconduct” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “misconduct” a common word?
“Misconduct” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “misconduct” have?
“Misconduct” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: behaviour that breaks accepted rules of conduct, especially at work or in a profession.
What is the difference between misconduct and negligence?
"Misconduct" refers to behaviour that breaks accepted rules of conduct, often implying a deliberate or improper choice, while negligence refers to a failure to take proper care that may be unintentional. Misconduct suggests a violation of standards; negligence suggests carelessness.
What is an example of professional misconduct?
Professional misconduct describes behaviour that breaks the accepted rules of a profession, such as breaching ethical standards or violating a workplace conduct code.
Can "misconduct" be used as a verb?
Yes, "misconduct" can function as a verb meaning to behave improperly or to manage something badly, though the noun form describing rule-breaking behaviour is far more common in everyday use.
