professional wrongdoing that results in injury or damage
"the widow sued his surgeon for malpractice"
a wrongful act that the actor had no right to do; improper professional conduct
"he charged them with electoral malpractices"
The improper treatment of a patient by a physician that results in injury or loss.
"The doctor faced legal action after his malpractice caused permanent nerve damage to the surgery patient."
In plain English: Malpractice is when a professional, like a doctor, does something wrong while doing their job that hurts someone else.
"The hospital sued the doctor for medical malpractice after he made a serious error during surgery."
Usage: Malpractice refers specifically to professional negligence by a doctor, lawyer, or other licensed practitioner that causes harm to a client. It is distinct from general medical errors because it implies a failure to meet the accepted standard of care within their profession.
From mal- + practice.