Malfeasant

A 'malfeasant' is a person, especially a public official, who commits a wrongdoing; it's an act that breaks the law, violates a duty, or is considered illegal or unethical behavior. It's often associated with incompetence or neglect of responsibility, leading to harm or damage. The term implies a deliberate or negligent breach of duty rather than a simple mistake. Actions taken by a malfeasant could involve corruption, misconduct, or a violation of the public trust. The core essence of malfeasance lies in the dereliction of duty and causing harm through one's actions or inactions, demonstrating the lack of integrity or adherence to established ethical standards.

Malfeasant meaning with examples

• The investigation revealed a pattern of malfeasant behavior among the city's building inspectors, as they accepted bribes in exchange for ignoring safety violations. The corruption allowed substandard construction to proliferate, endangering the public and leading to legal repercussions for the officials. This unethical conduct directly violated their duty to protect residents.
• During the financial crisis, the executives' malfeasant actions, including risky investments and concealing losses, plunged the company into bankruptcy. Their decisions, prioritizing personal gain over the company's health and the interests of the shareholders, resulted in widespread economic devastation, highlighting the severity of their misconduct.
• Evidence surfaced that the police officer's malfeasant conduct included fabricating evidence to secure convictions. This abuse of power undermined the judicial system and led to wrongful imprisonments, underscoring the critical importance of accountability for public servants and the severity of this violation.
• The government's oversight body cited several instances of malfeasant behavior within the healthcare system, specifically involving the improper billing of patients and diverting funds. This misconduct caused direct harm to the patients and resulted in a loss of public funds, and this action also threatened to bankrupt the health system.
• Reports surfaced that a university professor engaged in malfeasant behavior by plagiarizing and fabricating research data, damaging the university's reputation and undermining the integrity of scientific inquiry, thereby failing to uphold academic standards and integrity. The consequences caused distrust amongst his peers.