noun
malpractice
noun
1
Improper or negligent treatment of a patient by a doctor or other professional, causing harm.
"The family sued the hospital for medical malpractice."
"His licence was revoked after a string of malpractice complaints."
2
More broadly, unethical or improper conduct by someone in a position of professional trust.
"The lawyer faced a malpractice suit over mishandled funds."
How to Use Malpractice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhen a professional — usually a doctor or lawyer — does their job so badly or carelessly that someone gets hurt.
Common pairings
medical malpractice
malpractice lawsuit
malpractice insurance
Word Forms
malpractices plural
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The family sued the hospital for medical _____.
Etymology
From mal- ("bad") plus "practice."