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.
Critics have also raised concerns about the use of private donors, suggesting there could be a conflict of interest at play. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 Oct. 2025 But Youngquist said in his interview that DPS leaders viewed the job as a conflict of interest to his board duties, despite the director working with another district — Colorado Springs School District 11 — instead of DPS. Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025 Courts have occasionally removed government lawyers from cases when an actual conflict of interest or serious ethical violation was proven. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Would the payment represent a conflict of interest? Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Conflict of interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict%20of%20interest. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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
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