abuse of power

Meaning

This expression refers to the illegal or unethical use of authority, office, or position to benefit oneself or harm others. It is commonly used in legal, political, and professional contexts to describe leaders, managers, or officials who misuse their influence. The tone is serious, critical, and highly formal.

Examples

• The mayor was accused of an abuse of power after securing government contracts for his family's business.

  The mayor was accused of an abuse of power after securing government contracts for his family's business.

• Citizens took to the streets to protest against systemic abuse of power within the police force.

  Citizens took to the streets to protest against systemic abuse of power within the police force.

• An independent committee was formed to investigate allegations of abuse of power by the CEO.

  An independent committee was formed to investigate allegations of abuse of power by the CEO.

• Using company funds for personal vacations is a clear abuse of power.

  Using company funds for personal vacations is a clear abuse of power.

• The constitution contains checks and balances specifically designed to prevent any abuse of power.

  The constitution contains checks and balances specifically designed to prevent any abuse of power.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He did an abuse of power when he fired her.

  ✓ He committed an abuse of power when he fired her.

  The noun phrase 'abuse of power' is typically paired with verbs like 'commit', 'constitute', or 'be accused of'. It does not collocate with the verb 'do'.

• ✗ The manager used his power's abuse to get what he wanted.

  ✓ The manager's actions were an abuse of power.

  'Abuse of power' is a fixed noun phrase. You cannot use a possessive form like 'power's abuse' to express this concept.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The whistleblower exposed the executive's ___ after discovering confidential files had been leaked.

  💡 The misuse of official authority.

  Show answer

  abuse of power

• In a democracy, a free press is essential to prevent any ___ by those in government.

  💡 Unethical or illegal use of authority.

  Show answer

  abuse of power