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conflict of interest
noun phrase
: a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
Examples of conflict of interest in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement Additionally, investigators found that Kwong, an orthopedic surgeon, received more than $700,000 from the medical device company Zimmer Biomet, which makes joint replacements, without reporting the conflict of interest to the county.
—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024
Boone County Sheriff’s investigators collected evidence and turned the case over to Indiana State Police due to a potential conflict of interest.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Apr. 2024
In 2021, Barbara's murder conviction was overturned because her lawyer, who also represented Marvin, had a conflict of interest.
—Katie O'Brien, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024
But given the potential conflict of interest, Redstone is not a member of the board’s special committee.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
In January, one of Trump’s co-defendants sought to disqualify Willis from the case over claims her relationship with Wade constituted a conflict of interest.
—Brian Bushard, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
His campaign also often points to a $6 million contract between the IEDC and Ash Brokerage Corp. as evidence of a conflict of interest.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Mar. 2024
One of three nominees to serve on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority has a conflict of interest that should disqualify him from serving,three members of the Jackson County Legislature say.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Pedroza’s father-in-law had purchased — and that Pedroza should have publicly disclosed his involvement as a conflict of interest.
—Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conflict of interest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of conflict of interest was
in 1860
Dictionary Entries Near conflict of interest
Cite this Entry
“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Legal Definition
conflict of interest
con·flict of interest
ˈkän-ˌflikt-
1
: a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of a person in a position of trust
2
: a conflict between competing duties (as in an attorney's representation of clients with adverse interests) see also ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct
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