Meaning
A misdemeanor is a type of crime that is considered less serious than a felony. It usually results in a fine, community service, probation, or a short jail sentence rather than long-term imprisonment.
In general English, it can also mean a minor wrongdoing or misbehavior.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Noun (countable)
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Plural form: misdemeanors
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Used in legal contexts to classify crimes, and in everyday language to describe small faults or wrongdoings.
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Sentence patterns:
- commit a misdemeanor
- charged with a misdemeanor
- considered a misdemeanor
Common Phrases
- minor misdemeanor – a very small offense
- charged with a misdemeanor – formally accused of a minor crime
- class A/B/C misdemeanor – legal categories of misdemeanor (depending on jurisdiction)
Collocations
- commit a misdemeanor
- convicted of a misdemeanor
- petty misdemeanor
- first-time misdemeanor
- misdemeanor offense
Examples
- He was charged with a misdemeanor for vandalizing public property.
- Driving without a valid license is considered a misdemeanor in many countries.
- The judge sentenced her to community service for the misdemeanor.
- Some misdemeanors, if repeated, can be elevated to felonies.
- His disruptive behavior in class was seen as a misdemeanor by the teacher.
- Shoplifting a small item is often treated as a misdemeanor.
- She regretted the misdemeanor and apologized sincerely.
- Public intoxication is classified as a misdemeanor in some states.
Synonyms or Related
- minor offense
- petty crime
- infraction
- misdeed
- wrongdoing
Antonym
- felony
- major crime
- serious offense