Malpractice

/mælˈpræk.tɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner.
The doctor was sued for malpractice after misdiagnosing the patient's condition.
Failure of a professional person to render proper services through reprehensible ignorance or negligence.
The attorney's malpractice resulted in the loss of a crucial case for his client.
Any instance of unethical or incompetent conduct by anyone in a professional capacity.
Investigations revealed widespread malpractice among the firm's consultants.
Conduct that results in injury or harm to a patient or client due to negligence or breach of duty.
She has been a victim of malpractice and is seeking compensation for her suffering.

Etymology

Derived from 'mal-' meaning bad, and 'practice' referring to the acts or conduct of a profession.

Common Phrases and Expressions

medical malpractice
Negligence by a healthcare professional in treating a patient.
malpractice insurance
Insurance that protects professionals from claims of malpractice.
legal malpractice
Misconduct or negligence by a lawyer.

Related Words

negligence
Failure to take proper care in doing something, leading to damage or injury.
lawyer
A person who practices or studies law; an attorney or counselor.
physician
A person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor.

Slang Meanings

bad practice
That was a real case of bad practice in the way they handled patient records.
shady practice
The company's shady practice led to multiple lawsuits.