Malpractice
/ˌmælˈpræk.tɪs/noun
Improper, negligent, or unethical professional conduct, especially by a medical provider.
Did you know?Its first element comes from Latin *malus* meaning “bad” or “evil,” the same root behind *malice* and *malevolent*, so the word carries a moral shadow older than modern law.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
malus
“bad, evil”
Late Latin
Latin
malus + practica
“bad practice, poor conduct”
Old French
Old French
mal pratique
“bad practice or improper conduct”
Late Middle English
English
malpractice
“evil or improper practice”
Modern English
English
malpractice
“professional misconduct or negligent practice”
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