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 However, the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust concluded that Reinoso had not violated the ethical code or engaged in a conflict of interest. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024 Typically, a judge’s recusal points to a conflict of interest or an inability to remain impartial. Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2024 Manager advice often satisfies a key element of the Business Judgment Rule (good faith, no conflict of interest, and reasonable diligence), protecting volunteers from personal liability. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2024 Lawyers for both sides will be back in court Friday to address the potential conflict of interest issues related to Spertus representing both Grossman and Teran. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024 To avoid conflict of interest, the case was being prosecuted by Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld. Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 8 May 2024 Councilmember Curren Price, who represents part of South L.A., was charged by L.A. County prosecutors with embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest in June last year. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024 Another education code states that charter school administrators should comply with key state laws related to transparency and conflict of interest. Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 14 May 2024 While that might seem like a conflict of interest, Moi says England’s experience as a manager only enhances his work as label CEO. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 May 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 12 Jun. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!