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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The recommendation was made by an ad hoc committee of Councilmember Ryan Gallagher and Mayor Austin Lumbard, before the decision was approved unanimously by the council March 17 — Councilmember Ray Schnell recused himself due to a financial conflict of interest. Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 Pekau said in a social media post the misdemeanor charges were brought after Henry sent anonymous text messages threatening his family and the case was referred to the Illinois State Police by the Orland Park Police Department to avoid a conflict of interest. Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 As information tied to the misconduct case against her came to light, her chief judge altered her case assignments to exclude new felony cases and a potential conflict of interest with the prosecutor’s office. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 1 Apr. 2026 But that same year more than 200,000 people participated in a protest rally demanding that Babiš resign over his business dealings, after a European Commission audit found that his roles as a businessman and politician posed a conflict of interest. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conflict of interest

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conflict of interest was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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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