malfeasance
malfeasance
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "malfeasance" is /mælˈfiːzəns/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
mal: /mæl/
/m/: voiced bilabial nasal
/æ/: near-open front unrounded vowel
/l/: alveolar lateral approximant
fee: /fiː/
/f/: voiceless labiodental fricative
/iː/: close front unrounded vowel
zance: /zəns/
/z/: voiced alveolar fricative
/ə/: mid-central vowel
/n/: alveolar nasal
/s/: voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
The word "malfeasance" doesn't have plural or singular forms. It is a singular noun that refers to a single act of wrongdoing or misconduct.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: Wrongdoing, especially by a public official.
Synonyms: Misconduct, misbehavior, impropriety, corruption
Antonyms: Righteousness, virtue, probity, rectitude
Verb:
Definition: To commit an illegal act, especially by a public official.
Synonyms: Misbehave, misconduct oneself, act improperly
Antonyms: Behave, conduct oneself properly, act honestly
Note: While "malfeasance" is primarily used as a noun, in certain contexts, it can be used as a verb to describe the act of committing such wrongdoing.
Examples of Use
Newspapers and Online Publications:
The New York Times: "The investigation uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance." (Source: The New York Times, various articles)
The Washington Post: "The senator was accused of malfeasance in office." (Source: The Washington Post, various articles)
The Wall Street Journal: "The company's CEO was implicated in a scheme of financial malfeasance." (Source: The Wall Street Journal, various articles)
Books:
Legal Textbooks: Law textbooks often discuss malfeasance in the context of tort law and criminal law. For example, a legal textbook might define malfeasance as "the commission of an unlawful act."
Political Thrillers: Political thrillers often involve characters who commit acts of malfeasance, such as corrupt politicians or corporate executives.
Entertainment Media:
Television Shows: Television shows like "House of Cards" and "Scandal" frequently depict characters engaged in acts of malfeasance, such as bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power.
Movies: Movies like "All the President's Men" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" portray real-life examples of malfeasance, such as the Watergate scandal and the fraudulent activities of Jordan Belfort.
General Public Discourse:
Political Debates: Politicians often accuse their opponents of malfeasance, especially during heated election campaigns.
Social Media: Social media platforms are often used to discuss and debate allegations of malfeasance, particularly in relation to government officials and corporations.
It's important to note that the specific context in which "malfeasance" is used can vary widely, but the core meaning of wrongdoing or misconduct remains consistent.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Malfeasance
"In every system, malfeasance festers where there is no accountability." — Anonymous
"Malfeasance is the betrayal of trust, the poison in the well of governance." — Anonymous
"History is written in the ink of ambition and the stains of malfeasance." — Anonymous
"A single act of malfeasance can taint the reputation of an entire institution." — Anonymous
"Power without principle leads to malfeasance without end." — Anonymous
"The roots of malfeasance grow in the shadows of unchecked power." — Anonymous
"When malfeasance goes unchallenged, it becomes the new standard." — Anonymous
"Malfeasance wears many masks, but its heart is always greed." — Anonymous
"The worst malfeasance is the failure to stand for what is right." — Anonymous
"Expose malfeasance and light the path to justice." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "malfeasance" comes from the Latin word "maleficus," which means "evil-doing." Over time, this word evolved into the French word "mesfaisance," which means "misdoing." The English word "malfeasance" is derived from the French word.
The first known use of "malfeasance" in English was in the 17th century. At that time, it referred to any kind of wrongdoing, but it has since come to specifically mean wrongdoing by a public official.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Malfeasance
"Malfeasance" is a relatively formal word, often used in legal and political contexts. As such, it doesn't frequently appear in common idioms or everyday phrases. However, we can explore some phrases and idioms that use synonyms or related concepts:
A skeleton in the closet: This idiom refers to a hidden secret or scandal, which could involve malfeasance.
A dirty trick: This phrase implies a dishonest or unfair action, which might be considered malfeasance in certain contexts.
Playing dirty: This phrase is similar to "a dirty trick," suggesting unethical or underhanded tactics.
Cutting corners: This phrase means to do something quickly and cheaply, often at the expense of quality or legality, which could lead to malfeasance.
Bending the rules: This phrase suggests breaking or disregarding rules, which can be a form of malfeasance.
Original Phrases Using "Malfeasance":
A stain of malfeasance: This phrase suggests a lasting negative impact caused by wrongdoing.
A cloud of malfeasance: This phrase implies a sense of suspicion or doubt surrounding someone or something due to potential wrongdoing.
A web of malfeasance: This phrase suggests a complex and interconnected network of wrongdoing.
While "malfeasance" itself isn't commonly used in everyday idioms, understanding its meaning can help you recognize and identify instances of wrongdoing, especially in formal contexts.
Posts Related to Malfeasance
Source Information
Definition of malfeasance from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
