Meaning & Definition of word "Malpractice"
Malpractice
/mælˈpræk.tɪs/
noun:
- 1. Improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner.
- Example: The doctor was sued for malpractice after misdiagnosing the patient's condition.
- 2. Failure of a professional person to render proper services through reprehensible ignorance or negligence.
- Example: The attorney's malpractice resulted in the loss of a crucial case for his client.
- 3. Any instance of unethical or incompetent conduct by anyone in a professional capacity.
- Example: Investigations revealed widespread malpractice among the firm's consultants.
- 4. Conduct that results in injury or harm to a patient or client due to negligence or breach of duty.
- Example: 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 of malpractice
Meaning: bad practice
● Example Sentence: That was a real case of bad practice in the way they handled patient records.
Meaning: shady practice
● Example Sentence: The company's shady practice led to multiple lawsuits.