What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embezzlement
Example
The accountant was arrested for embezzlement of company funds. [embezzlement: noun]
Example
She was accused of embezzling money from the charity organization she worked for. [embezzling: verb]
theft
Example
The store owner reported a theft of several items from the shop. [theft: noun]
Example
He was caught stealing a wallet from a customer's purse. [stealing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Theft is a more common term than embezzlement in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Embezzlement is a more specific term that is typically used in legal or business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embezzlement and theft?
Embezzlement is a more formal term than theft, as it is often used in legal or business contexts. Theft is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
