noun

malpractice

/mælˈpræktɪs/ · say it: mal·PRAK·tis

professional negligence causing harm to a client or patient

In more detail

1. (noun) failure by a professional (such as a doctor or lawyer) to do their job properly, causing harm or loss to someone

2. (noun) illegal or unethical behavior by someone in a position of authority or trust

Examples

1. The patient sued the hospital for medical malpractice after the surgery went wrong.
2. The accountant was fired for malpractice when it was discovered he had stolen client funds.

How to use malpractice

Malpractice refers specifically to wrongful conduct or negligence by professionals bound by codes of conduct or duty, most commonly doctors and lawyers. It is used in legal and professional contexts and implies both a violation of professional standards and resulting harm or damages. The term carries a serious tone and typically involves formal complaints or litigation.

Common phrases

medical malpractice
legal malpractice
malpractice lawsuit
malpractice claim
malpractice insurance
sue for malpractice

Synonyms

negligence · misconduct · dereliction of duty · professional negligence · breach of duty

Word family

malpractitioner (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use malpractice too broadly to describe any poor performance; it requires both a professional duty and demonstrable harm or breach of standard practice.

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