Malfeasance is the intentional doing of something that is illegal or clearly wrongful, often by someone in a position of power or trust, like a public official or company executive.

Simple meaning

  • In plain terms, malfeasance means deliberate wrongdoing.
  • It usually involves an act that is both unlawful and a breach of duty or trust, not just a mistake or carelessness.
  • Typical settings: government offices, corporate leadership, or any role where someone has authority over money, decisions, or people.

How it differs from similar terms

  • Malfeasance: doing an act that is clearly illegal or morally wrong, on purpose (for example, embezzling funds, taking bribes, using office for personal gain).
  • Misfeasance: doing something that is allowed, but doing it in a harmful or sloppy way (a legal act carried out improperly, usually without intent to cause harm).
  • Nonfeasance: failing to act at all when there is a duty to act (for example, not stepping in when your job requires you to).

One quick way to remember it:

Malfeasance = bad act on purpose , often illegal and a serious abuse of power.

In law and public office

  • In many legal contexts, malfeasance is tied specifically to public officials who intentionally misuse their office or powers.
  • Examples include taking bribes, intentionally falsifying records, or using public funds for personal expenses.
  • Laws in different places spell out consequences such as removal from office, fines, criminal charges, or civil liability for damages.

Quick example sentence

  • “The mayor resigned after being charged with malfeasance for secretly directing city contracts to companies he owned.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.