misfeasance means an actual or alleged wrong that arises from an action; often, the wrongful use of legal authority. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “misfeasance” is a great word
MISFEASANCE — [Noun] The improper or negligent performance of a lawful act, especially by a person in a position of authority. From Anglo-French *mesfesance*, from Middle French *mesfaisance*, from *mes-* ("mis-", wrong) + *faisance* ("doing, deed"), from *faire* ("to do, make"). First attested in English 1590–1600. Unlike *malfeasance*, which is the commission of an unlawful act, or *nonfeasance*, which is a failure to act at all, misfeasance is the subtle corruption of the permissible—the right thing done ruinously wrong. It is the civic planner using substandard materials for sound blueprints, the notary stamping a document without verification, or the surgeon performing the correct procedure with a careless hand. It is the particular sorrow that the greatest harm often flows not from evil intent, but from a profound inadequacy in the execution of good.
noun
- An actual or alleged wrong that arises from an action; often, the wrongful use of legal authority.