What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embezzlement
Example
The accountant was charged with embezzlement after it was discovered that he had been stealing from the company for years. [embezzlement: noun]
Example
She was caught embezzling funds from the charity organization she worked for. [embezzling: verb]
fraud
Example
He was found guilty of fraud for selling fake investment opportunities to unsuspecting clients. [fraud: noun]
Example
She committed fraud by using someone else's credit card to make unauthorized purchases. [committing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fraud is more commonly used than embezzlement in everyday language. Fraud is a broader term that covers a wide range of deceptive practices, while embezzlement is a specific type of theft that involves misusing funds or assets that belong to someone else.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embezzlement and fraud?
Both embezzlement and fraud are formal terms that are typically used in legal or business contexts. However, fraud may be more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while embezzlement is less common and may be more associated with formal or technical language.
