Synonyms for

Wrongdoing

Verb / ˈrɔ:ŋdu:ɪŋ / Another word for wrongdoing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

An illegal or immoral act.

Synonyms & similar words

error wrongfulconduct misconduct actusreus misdeed offense transgression crime sin error fault mischief misconduct violation wrong delinquency evil iniquity lawbreaking malfeasance naughtiness tort wickedness

Synonyms by register

Formal

misconduct malfeasance offense transgression

Informal

mischief naughtiness bad behavior screw-up

Literary

sin iniquity trespass

Antonyms

right correctness virtue goodness propriety honesty integrity

Common collocations

  • serious wrongdoing
  • financial wrongdoing
  • corporate wrongdoing
  • criminal wrongdoing
  • allegations of wrongdoing
  • investigate wrongdoing
  • prevent wrongdoing
  • report wrongdoing

Word family

noun wrongdoing
verb wrong
adjective wrong
adverb wrongly

Usage note

While 'wrongdoing' can refer to minor misbehavior, it often implies a more serious or illegal act. It is generally more formal than terms like 'mischief' or 'naughtiness'.

Example sentences

  1. Her wrongdoing was discovered and she was sent to jail.
  2. He apologized for his wrongdoing and promised to make it right.
  3. Wrongdoing is never acceptable, even if it seems small.
  4. She was accused of wrongdoing but it turned out to be a mistake.
  5. The company was fined for their wrongdoing.

Quotes

  • “It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.” - Samuel Johnson
  • “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” - Edmund Burke
  • “I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.” - Mother Teresa

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