pflichtwidrig
Translation
in breach of duty, unprofessional, derelict
Examples
Sein Handeln war eindeutig pflichtwidrig.
His action was clearly a breach of duty.
Er hat sich pflichtwidrig verhalten.
He behaved in breach of his duty.
Grammar Patterns
to be ((in breach of duty)) Sein Verhalten war pflichtwidrig.
to behave ((in breach of duty)) Er hat sich pflichtwidrig verhalten.
Similar Words
Synonyms: derelict, unprofessional; Antonyms: pflichtgemäß (in accordance with duty), pflichtbewusst (conscientious)
Etymology
A compound of 'Pflicht' (duty) and 'widrig' (contrary, adverse). It literally means 'contrary to duty'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'Pflicht-widrig' as 'duty-wide-of-the-mark'. It clearly describes an action that goes against professional duty.